Article 3: Maxis says iPhone 3GS setting off good buzz

Maxis Communications Bhd, the country's biggest mobile operator, says response to the new iPhone 3GS has exceeded that of the iPhone 3G launch a few months ago.

"Based on the bookings that we have so far, the response is definitely better than for the first launch," Maxis vice-president and head of consumer marketing Tan Lay Han said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, without providing its sales target.Tan did not disclose how the iPhone 3G had performed, except to say that sales had "exceeded forecast".Pre-bookings for the new handphone have been available for some two weeks and customers are expected to receive them from yesterday.The iPhone 3GS, similar in looks to the iPhone 3G, comes with new features, including video recording, longer battery life and hands-free voice control.

"Maxis is pleased to be among the first in Southeast Asia to offer this phone. Since Maxis introduced the iPhone 3G to Malaysia in March, its functionality and offering of over 50,000 iPhone apps have changed the way Malaysians communicate at work and play."iPhone 3G has kept our customers connected and entertained, with an attractive and easy browsing interface, and has increased Maxis customers' mobile data usage. There is a very diverse range of iPhone users from 12 years upwards," Tan said.Currently, about 40 per cent of its customer base are active mobile Internet users.The company believes that with the iPhone 3GS launch, as well as other initiatives to encourage customers to use applications like social networking sites and Google Maps, it can increase its active mobile Internet user base.

"This is the area that we see good growth potential and we are optimistic that it will continue to grow," head of product development and infotainment services T. Kugan said.Maxis has also introduced new pricing plans.The i-Value 1, 2, 3 and 4, now comes with up to 400 free text messages (Maxis to Maxis) a month, up to 40 MMS a month, and free local calls and text messages to family lines.

COMMENT: iPhone 3G have launch a few month by Maxis Communication Bhd.iPhone 3G come with many function such as video recording,longer battery life,and hands-free voice control.So far,the response is better from customer.Maxis is pleased to be among the first in Southheast Asia to offer this phone.