Government To Withdraw 2.5 And 3.5 Ghz Spectrums

PETALING JAYA, Nov 19 (Bernama) — The government will withdraw the 2.5 and 3.5gigahertz (GHz) spectrums, which were initially given out on a trial basis to the telecommunications companies, said Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik Monday.
He said this followed the government’s decision two months ago to concentrate on 2.3 GHz world interoperability for microwave access (WiMax), third-generation (3G) and fibre-to-the-home high-speed broadband as the platforms to boost broadband development in the country.

“I have already ordered the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to give the telcos notice to tear down the business.

“Those without customers will be immediately withdrawn while those with customers will be given five years to do so under the MCMC regulations,” he told reporters after officiating at the Multimedia University’s International Symposium on Information and Communications Technologies 2007 here today.

Dr Lim said MCMC has given out the 2.5 GHz spectrum for the wireless broadband while 3.5 GHz spectrum was for satellite downlink frequencies.

He said the 2.5 spectrum has been withdrawn as most of those given the frequency have not rolled out their services while 3.5 GHz spectrum has to be withdrawn as it intefered with the satellite.

The 2.3 GHz spectrum was given to YTL E-Solutions Bhd, Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd, Asiaspace Dotcom Sdn Bhd (for Peninsular Malaysia) and REDtone-CNX Broadband Sdn Bhd (Sabah and Sarawak) after they undergo a bidding process

Seven companies given access to 3.5GHz spectrum were either under licence or trial basis. They are: Airzed Broadband Sdn Bhd, AtlasONE Sdn Bhd, TT dotCom Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), NasionCom Sdn Bhd and eB Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd.

The companies given access to the 2.5 GHZ spectrum are Airzed Broadband, AtlasONE, Jaring Communications Sdn Bhd Maxis Broadband, TM, TT dotCom and eB Technologies.

Dr Lim said with the withdrawal of the 2.5 and 3.5 GHz spectrums, the number of WiMax playes would be reduced in line with the government policies to have different players for different broadband spectrums.

“If there are too many players, they will go and kill each other and nobody will roll out the broadband,” he said.