KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 – The reallocation of spectrum in the 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz bands is to improve the quality and speed of wireless and mobile communication services in rural areas and the interior, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday. Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the reallocation was also done so that the spectrum can be used more efficiently and fairly.
He said it is also to ensure that the service providers can also use the latest technology in the two bands. He said this in reply to a question from Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun (DAP-Jelutong). Ooi had wanted to know about government plans on the reallocation of spectrum in the 900Mhz and 1800Mhz bands. Salleh said the reallocation of spectrum would be implemented through tenders and not auctions to avoid too high a price.
“The spectrum is being studied and will be determined by the middle of the year. It will be fairly reallocated to four main service providers namely Celcom, Maxis, Digi and U Mobile. The four service providers were picked since they have basic infrastructure which can be expanded to increase competitiveness in the communications industry,” Salleh said.
