LTE is here! Gear Up for Higher Speeds in 2013! MCMC Issues Spectrum for 4G Mobile Broadband in the 2600 MHz Band

Cyberjaya: 5 December, 2012 --- Malaysians may not have to wait much longer to enjoy higher mobile broadband speeds. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced the allocation of the much anticipated 2600 MHz spectrum band, paving the way for Malaysians to enjoy 4G services which could offer mobile broadband speeds in excess of 100 Mbps.

The technology promises many news services to consumers such as high definition video streaming, enhanced user experience on real-time applications and better connectivity for mobile and consumer electronic devices.

Since the introduction of 3G and WiMAX technology in Malaysia, the demand for better quality mobile broadband service has intensified. This allocation is in line with similar initiatives in developed countries like the US and some European states. 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.

Eight (8) companies will be allowed access to the 2600 MHz spectrum band. They are, in alphabetical order, Celcom Axiata Bhd, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd, Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd, REDtone Marketing Sdn Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.

MCMC Chairman Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi said, “MCMC is always committed to finding the right balance between the needs of consumers, investors and other stakeholders of the industry. We believe that the balance struck between ensuring healthy competition in the market and promoting industry development will help spur continued growth for existing service providers and provide opportunity for new market entrants.”

Existing service providers may use the 2600 MHz allocation to further expand and enhance the capacity of their mobile broadband networks to meet increasing consumer demands whilst the introduction of a new player is expected to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the market.

Service providers are also expected to enter into smart partnerships and sharing agreements between them which include spectrum and radio access network sharing in order to utilise larger bandwidths, lower the cost of roll out and offer better 4G-experience and affordability to consumers. Additionally, smart partnerships mean shared infrastructure thus reducing the duplication of physical transmission towers. 4G wholesale MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Service) will also be offered to other service providers that do not get access to the allocation.

“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,” said Dato’ Mohamed Sharil.


2.6 GHz Spectrum Allocated to P1

Kuala Lumpur, 6th December 2012 – South East Asia’s leading and one of the world’s first 4G service provider, Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (“P1”) has been allocated the access to 2.6 GHz spectrum by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Michael Lai, CEO of P1 said, “We are thrilled to have been granted access to 20MHz of 2.6 GHz TD spectrum, and we thank the government, our Ministry and MCMC for their confidence in P1. Being one of the pioneers in the 4G world, we are definitely excited to be able to offer this next generation of 4G technology to Malaysians.”

“Being one of the Steering Committee Members of the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI), we are excited to be able to serve our subscribers with the 4G Time-Division Long-Term Evolution (TD-LTE) technology. Our subscribers will be among the first to taste and experience the latest 4G LTE technology. Continuing our mission of “Broadband for All”, this spectrum allocation will allow us to continue our commitment in bringing cutting-edge broadband technology to every single Malaysian. And simultaneously, contribute to our national broadband agenda and initiative,” he elaborated.

 “We are ready for this, and we look forward to serving our customers even better with complete range of services from 4G wireless, Fiber, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) services and wireless internet leased line,” Lai added.




U MOBILE AWARDED LTE SPECTRUM 

Kuala Lumpur, 6th December, 2012 - U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s most dynamic and innovative telco service provider, is pleased to be awarded a 20MHz block of the 2.6GHz spectrum by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). 

In a letter issued by MCMC yesterday, it was outlined that U Mobile was awarded a spectrum block which the company notes as strategic. 

“The position of our block of spectrum is strategic in that it provides U Mobile with the option of sharing spectrum and possibly collaborating through smart partnerships with other telcos,” said Jaffa Sany Ariffin, U Mobile CEO. “By sharing spectrum we would hope to benefit from reduced rollout costs and pass those savings onto our consumers.”

Jaffa added, “When LTE services are commercially available, the benefit will be an enriching and exciting mobile experience for our customers and it will undoubtedly bring significant change to the way we experience mobile communication services. We thank the MCMC for awarding us the spectrum and we look forward to providing our customers with even faster mobile internet services.” 

The allocation of the 2.6GHz spectrum blocks by MCMC to eight telecommunications players signifies the next phase of the evolution of mobile internet in Malaysia, as it provides the gateway for 4G or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. 

Through its LTE services, U Mobile will aim to provide an even better value proposition to its customers with improved technology delivering mobile internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps, better smartphones and applications.

As a result of the spectrum allocation, U Mobile is well placed to play its role in assisting the Government in achieving its national agenda to provide high speed mobile data services for all Malaysians.

To get the latest updates on U Mobile products and services, please visit www.u.com.my.