There are 12 mobile operators in the country holding on to a number of broadband spectrums, however as we all know only a select few actually provide wireless mobile service in the country, while the rest are merely rent seekers. Under the past regime, spectrum allocation were based on who MCMC chose, there were no reasoning or justification on some of the distribution. One major international operator for the longest of time could not get the desired 2300 Mhz bandwidth with no apparent reason as to why, resulting in poor coverage and overloaded network.

So the issue in the past was not just the operator who failed to serve the public to a certain extent the regulatory body had a part in the misgivings, but things are changing and the evidence are clear with MCMC implementing a plethora of initiative to better serve the rakyat. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission the agency under the Communication Ministry responsible in allocating spectrums to mobile operators, will for the first time invite the public to partake in the process on spectrum allocation matters. This is in particular to the farming of the coveted 700 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum bands.

This process the agency states is to ensure transparency in the spectrum allocation methods which has been lacking in the past, it hopes this will yield feedback from industry experts, public and interested parties and share their views on the spectrum allocation timeframe, implementation plan, technical matters and spectrum fees.

Among the spectrums, all eyes will be on the 700 Mhz the key to 5G and rural penetration, the bandwidth is currently being used by the national broadcast agency (RTM) and will cease to occupy it once the analogue switch off is completed in quarter three of the year. Once freed, all main operators will be vying for a piece of the bandwidth, globally this bandwidth is the key for sub 1Ghz band and LTE coverage. At the same time MCMC is also re-looking on refarming the 2300 and 2600 Mhz spectrum moving them from unused parties and tendering them to company’s who really need them to serve their customers. This sends a strong message for those who have been hording the spectrum and leasing out to operators, rent seekers could see their contracts ending. MCMC highlights the need for consumers to get the best in service and connectivity and in order for this to take place the spectrums need to be fully optimised.

The agency adds that optimising the use of spectrum is crucial to ensure improved quality of service, wider coverage and better mobile broadband speeds. This incidentally is also in line with the aim of achieving the average speeds of 30 Mbps in 98% of populated areas by 2023 under the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan.

For those keen to participate in the public feedback can visit the site for further information. https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/Public-Inquiry-Allocation-of-spectrum-bands-for-mobile-broadband-service-in-malaysia.pdf