MCMC undecided on spectrum refarming

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has yet to decide on the approach it will take for spectrum refarming, said its chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi.

Going forward, he said the 1800 and 900 MHz spectrum would be coming up for review, while the 700MHz spectrum would become available after the switch-over to digital television happened.

After this migration is completed, the existing 700MHz band will be considered for various uses by telecommunications after refarming of the spectrum.

He said that the MCMC was looking at a variety of options available under its spectrum regulations and would also undertake consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Stressing that the commission aimed to be as equitable as possible to the operators, Sharil added that one of the primary objectives of the spectrum refarming was to ensure better quality services for customers.

“We are able to do spectrum auctions, beauty contests, allocations, or a combination of these. No decision has been made yet on which approach we will take,” he said in a briefing about MCMC’s Industry Performance Report 2013 yesterday.

(A beauty contest is a selection process where the authorities will review proposals on the spectra usage submitted by bidding parties).

As for the economic performance of the communications and multimedia (C&M) industry in 2013, Sharil said telecommunications had contributed 84.8% or RM45bil in revenue.

The broadcasting, postal and other sectors followed with 10.9%, 2.4% and 1.9% respectively, with the industry’s total revenue increasing 4.5% to RM53.4bil from RM51.1bil in 2012.

With the introduction of digital television and transformation of the country’s postal services, Sharil said he expected to see these two sectors increase their revenue contribution for this year.

“We are growing consistently with the GDP (gross domestic product). The C&M industry contributed 11.5% or RM195.3bil to Bursa Malaysia’s total market capitalisation of RM1,702.2bil in 2013,” he said.

Sharil said that MCMC played a key role in stewarding Malaysia to become a focal point for C&M information and content services.

He said it was timely that it was organising the inaugural KL Converge, in cooperation with the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, MCMC and Finas, from Sept 17 to 19 at the KL Convention Centre.

“KL Converge will provide a platform for experts, users, developers, producers and entrepreneurs to come together and forge partnerships and expand our content and creative industry’s footprint internationally,” he said.

For more information, visit www.klconverge.com.