Malaysia allocates 4G spectrum

Malaysians will not have to wait much longer to use LTE services, after the country’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced it has allocated spectrum in the 2600MHz band.

Eight operators have been allocated licences: Celcom Axiata, DiGi Telecommunications, Maxis Broadband, Packet One Networks, Puncak Semangat, REDtone, U Mobile and YTL Communications.

The Commission said that using the spectrum, operators will be able to offer mobile broadband speeds in excess of 100Mbps.

“Since the introduction of 3G and WiMAX technology in Malaysia, the demand for better quality mobile broadband service has intensified,” the MCMC said in a statement.

“Market readiness for 4G technology is also reaching its maturity as increasingly, many of the latest devices in the global market support the use of this technology; hence the economies of scale will bring much benefit to the country.”

MCMC chairman Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi said that he believes that the commission has struck a balance between ensuring healthy competition in the market and promoting industry development that will help spur growth for existing operators and new market entrants.

“With this new technology, the people can look forward to improvements in their digital lifestyle. For the business community, cloud services, teleworking, teleconferencing and video type applications can be better experienced whilst on the move,” he said.