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IN what has proven to be a tough auction process, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) subsidiary PT Excelcomindo Pratama (XL) was officially announced as 1 of 3 successful bidders for 3G spectrum in Indonesia. The results of the auction were announced in Jakarta earlier today.

The announcement was made at the end of a 2-day bidding process which will culminate with an official determination by Indonesian authorities on 14th February 2006. XL bid Rp18.8 billion (USD18.8 million) for 1 block of 5Mhz of spectrum.

“We are jubilant at the outcome,” TM Group CEO Dato’ Abdul Wahid Omar said. “Having pioneered 3G services in Malaysia in May 2005, barring unforeseen circumstances, we are confident of being able to commence 3G applications and data services in the third quarter of 2006 in Indonesia,” he added.

TM International Sdn Bhd (TMI) CEO Yusof Annuar Yaacob who has followed the auction process closely on behalf of shareholders, expressed great excitement at the acquisition of what he described as “a strategic asset”. Coming hot on the heels of XL and the TM Group’s recent partnership agreement with Vodafone, the possibilities for world-class services are such as 3G roaming are imminent, he added.

TM’s 56.9% shareholding in XL is held through TMI, its international investments holding company, which has operations in nine countries worldwide.

XL, which successfully completed a three-city 3G trial last year, plans an expeditious 3G service roll-out. The company’s positioning is to be at the forefront of wireless services in Indonesia, especially in key corporate and business market segments.

XL’s core 3G product range is expected to be the provision of pre-paid and post-paid mobile communications packages which support a wide range of business and consumer services such as popular SMS, MMS, value added applications and digital content services. The offering incorporates domestic calling, IDD connectivity, and international roaming. Separate broadband access services are expected to be provided through 3G datacards.

About TM
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), a leading regional information and communications group, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in fixed-line, mobile, data and broadband. As one of the largest listed companies on Bursa Malaysia with an operating revenue of more than RM13 billion, TM is driven to deliver value to its stakeholders in a highly competitive environment.

The Group places emphasis on continuing customer service quality enhancements and innovations. Currently, with investments and operations in 12 countries around Asia and globally, TM is focused on sustainable growth in both the local and international markets.
For further information on TM, visit www.tm.com.my

About TM International Sdn Bhd

Through its investment-holding arm, TM International, TM is one of the leading regional telecommunications companies with interests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia.

TM International has a track record of adding value to its investments, and an approach which focuses on developing the skills and capabilities of its local management teams and working in partnership with these local teams to achieve strong market positions and profitability.

TM’s overseas investments have always contributed significantly to the Group’s overall PATAMI. For the nine months ended September 2005, TM’s overseas investment contributed 10.8 per cent or RM1.1 billion to the Group revenue. PATAMI contribution was 21.2 per cent or RM261.5 million to Group’s PATAMI.

For further information on TM International, visit www.tm.com.my

About XL
XL is the first private cellular operator in Indonesia, which was established in November 1995 and started operating commercially on October 8, 1996. XL’s core business is Consumer Solutions, offering dual band cellular network though its pre-paid calling card jempol and bebas as well as its’ post paid card Xplor. XL’s corporate division, known as Business Solutions, offers an integrated telecommunication solutions for its’ corporate customers. Business Solutions services are Leased Line and IP based.

XL is the only telecommunication company which owns and operates its’ own GSM and broadband wire line infrastructure. XL’s fibre optic backbone infrastructure is supported by four backup rings as redundant alternative access to ensure high quality and reliable services. XL’s wide coverage network spans across Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumatra and Singapore, as well as a submarine fibre optics in Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

As at December 2005, XL had a subscriber base of 7 million.