Malaysia appoints MCMC chairman, to starts 5G spectrum allocation review

News Wireless Malaysia 11 JUN 2020
Malaysia appoints MCMC chairman, to starts 5G spectrum allocation review
The Malaysian government has appointed Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malik as chairman of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), effective immediately. Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the appointment was made concurrently with the government’s planned review of 5G spectrum allocation.

Fadhlullah replaces Al-Ishsal Ishak, who has served the position since October 2018. Fadhlullah currently serves as vice-chancellor and CEO of Universiti Perdana. He is also a former commissioner in the MCMC, and has a 20-year experience in the telecommunications sector.

Malaysia’s communications minister also announced the appointment of former Telekom Malaysia and managing director Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mood Isa as his telecoms advisor. 

The minister also said the 5G spectrum review will cover three main aspects, namely infrastructure, 5G-readiness, as well as governance and transparency. “The structure of the industry will also be reviewed to ensure the industry’s sustainability, and the balance with consumer interest in the long run”, the minister said.  

“The MCMC will also review its scope of work and its responsibilities, so as to provide focus towards its core business. This includes to improve the organisational structure and improve certain fields like law, auditing and human resources [management]”, he added.  

The ministry also plans to accelerate infrastructure deployment to increase coverage, he added.  

Malaysia awards then cancels 5G spectrum licenses 

On 15 May, the MCMC granted 700 MHz 5G spectrum to local units of Axiata Group, Digi.Com and Maxis, as well as Telekom Malaysia and private firm Altel Communications. Telekom Malaysia, Celcom Axiata, Maxis, DiGi and Altel received 5G spectrum in frequency bands between 703MHz and 743MHz, as well as 758MHz and 798MHz. At the beginning of June, Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Ministry revoked the 5G spectrum licenses. "Due to technical and legal issues, and the need to follow a transparent process, I have instructed the MCMC chairman to revoke the order and to review the instruments immediately", Malaysia’s Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said at the time.

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Digi,  Telekom Malaysia,  Celcom Axiata,  Maxis

Countries:

Malaysia

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Wholesale, Government policy, Officers & directors

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