Maxis unveils its first 4G LTE smartphones

The big names in broadband-enabled smartphones such as iPhone 5, Galaxy S3, Note II, etc, all come equipped with 4G LTE.

But none of these are compatible or supported by the local cellular networks. So, in yet another first for Maxis, the leading communications service provider came up with its first 4G phones.

Look tempting!

On Friday, Feb 8, Maxis launched two 4G long-term evolution (LTE) smartphones - the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC One XL. These will be the first two smartphones to be activated on Maxis' 4G LTE network.

"Available at Maxis centres in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Taman Tun Dr Ismail, customers can purchase the Nokia Lumia 920 from only RM1,099 with surfmore 75 plan or talkmore78 with 3GB mobile Internet and HTC One XL from RM1,199 with surfmore 75 or talkmore78 plan with 3GB mobile Internet.

"We look forward to launching more smartphones and tablets this year on Maxis' 4G LTE network, so customers can enjoy the most superior on-the-go experience," said Maxis Joint Chief Operating Officer Suren J Amarasekera.


What? My favourite smartphones are not in the list?

Disappointed that your iPhone or Galaxy S3 are not activated on Maxis' 4G network?

Maxis said, "Through our strong partnership with leading device manufacturers and content players, Maxis is indeed well-placed to provide customers with a richer, on-the-go Internet experience."

So, yes, maybe in the near future your gadget will also be listed. But then Maxis is not the only player  that can offer 4G LTE connectivity. DiGi, P1, Unifi and Celcom are almost sure to come up with their own list of devices and plans soon.

It's just that Maxis was the first to take the plunge testing the water.

Reference: Maxis press release

Spread the Word about Energy Effeciency and get rewarded

One of the ways to encourage participation from the people towards Energy Efficiency at home is through contest/competition.

I know we have had this SAVE Program whereby the government gives out RM200 rebate for purchase of efficient refrigerators and RM100 for energy-efficient air-conditioners quite recently. It was a decent effort but for some unknown reason it was not that popular.


Yarmouth town won $8,000

There is this competition to promote energy efficiency at home in the State of Massachusetts, USA, that caught my attention and the very similar concept can be adopted by our Local Councils here in Malaysia.

In that competition, CLC, an intergovernmental organisation in Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard region invited individuals and organisations to recruit and invite households to sign up for free energy assessment through  “Home Energy Assessment Recruitment Competition”.

Each household that went through with an energy assessment was allowed to vote once for the town or organization that recruited them. Town or organization who recruits the most energy assessments will win our top prize of $8000 (approx RM24,000).

After a period of 6 months, votes was counted and Yarmouth town won it with 77 votes beating 16 other towns and organisations.


List of prizes (winners list can be viewed at the link below):

1st Place             - $8,000 (town of Yarmouth)
2nd Place           - $5,000
3rd Place            - $2,000
4th Place            - $1,000
5th Place             - $1,000
6th – 8th Place    - $750 each
9th – 16th Place  - $500 each

All participating towns and organisations receive money as long as minimum requirements are met.

Pic: Reps from the winning town. CLC (Cape Light Compact) photo.



Find out more about the fun and fulfilling competition here.


TheGreenMechanics' two cents:

This competition is interestingly engaging and can be adapted to our Energy Efficiency campaign in Malaysia. For a start, Energy Commission may want to collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (under Datuk Hajiji Hj. Noor) to carry out competition at municipal level.

Why not!

Kubota power plant to be fully operational on Feb 8, 2013

The title looks very much like a headline for a regional news. But as far as our situation here is concerned, it's more 'prediction' than 'news', simply because things doesn't materialise as promised anymore nowdays.

As you can see in the following newspaper cutting, this was stated 3 days ago by the Deputy Chief Minister himself. Let's see about it.

Feb 8, 2013: Is this for real this time?

Today is 7th of February and I would like (and who wouldn't) to see that the front page of many tabloids tomorrow say something like "Kubota Power Plant is Now Fully Operational".

I can't blame myself for being a little bit skeptical after series of deferments previously:

1. The 64 MW Kubota station to start operation in June 2012. Back then I thought I would give it a 6-month margin before the plant start operating. That would mean December 2012 rather than June. The delay was understandable as the vessel ferrying the equipment was hijacked by pirate.


2. On Dec 7, 2012 Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui stated that the power station will begin producing electricity starting January 7, 2013. As you can see,   never did it materialised.


3. Latest is what you see in the above Daily Express cutting. That's tomorrow and I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will really happen this time.

Power supply is very close to heart, at least for me, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the place I hailed from is still without electricity despite efforts to get connected for more than 20 years. The 3 neighbouring villages are all enjoying 24 hours power supply already.

Secondly, in the the industry I'm involved in, energy is one of the biggest contributors to the expenses pie. We are one of the biggest energy (electricity) users in Kota Kinabalu, and in the West Coast of Sabah. Stability of power supply is of paramount importance to us.

When the power supply in the East Coast is sufficient, the situation in West Coast will be more stable, and  simply put, more people will get to enjoy 24-hour electricity.

So, come on guys! Don't play games with us and the rakyat. Mean it when you say it, will you!

The GreenMechanics:

EAGERLY WAITING FOR MORE LIGHTS TOMORROW.