Malaysia – MAXIS Communications Bhd has clinched a RM81 million contract with Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd to build and manage Astro’s nationwide network infrastructure. Maxis will integrate data, voice and video services in Astro’s network infrastructure at 35 sites nationwide over a period of five years. Astro’s director of information technology, Phuah Aik Chong, said the MCS project will provide Astro with an integrated framework to rapidly launch new offerings and deliver highly personalised service to its customers. It will also help streamline operations and optimise costs. Maxis will deploy a nationwide secured data network using Internet Protocol Multi Protocol Label Switching (IP MPLS) technology to support corporate data, voice and internet traffic. Maxis will refresh the network equipment of Astro’s current voice and data nationwide infrastructure, with Voice over Internet Protocol Technology (VoIP). It will work closely with technology and integration partners Hewlett-Packard and Cisco in the project.