Malaysia Will Take a 700MHz Spectrum Operator or Lack of Enthusiasm in 2018

Malaysia's communications and multimedia commission (MCMC) has revealed plans for a 700MHz spectrum auction next year.

Regulators have made plans to auction off eight of the 2x5MHz spectrum in the much-sought-after 700MHz band from January 1, 2019, to distribute the spectrum to winners, according to a report in the online edition of the star.

Applicants will be restricted to four segments of each auction and must submit a $10 million deposit for the Malaysian ringgit ($2.36 million).

If a one-time payment, the base price of the 2x5MHz spectrum is 2.155.4 billion ringgit; If you pay in 15 years, it's 4.171.2 billion ringgit.

Although Malaysia operators have long been waiting for 700 MHZ band spectrum allocation, because it has a broader coverage and stronger ability of indoor coverage, but they are facing intense price competition, the weakness of the new players to enter and consumer intent, which may inhibit the enthusiasm of the auction.

Mobile operator Celcom Axiata, Digi.com, Maxis and U Mobile have already paid $2.7 billion in fees for the previous 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum auctions.