The 'Big Three' receive extensions of 2,100MHz spectrum

• Each paid an upfront component fee of RM118.4 million
• Each is required to pay an annual fixed fee of RM50 million

THE three major telcos in Malaysia, namely, DiGi.Com Bhd, Maxis Bhd and Celcom Axiata Bhd (via its parent company Axiata Bhd) on Jan 30 announced that they have been given extensions of the 2,100 megahertz (MHz) spectrum by regulator the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

In three separate filings to Bursa Malaysia today, the companies said they had accepted the offer by MCMC for the reissuance of the 2,100MHz spectrum assignment.

The assignment is valid for 16 years for an upfront price component fee of RM118.4 million, which the three announced has been paid.

In addition, each telco is required to pay an annual fixed fee of RM50 million for the assignment period, effective April 2, 2018.

In its announcement, Maxis said that the reissuance comprises 2 x 15MHz (Frequency Division Duplex) and 1 x 5MHz (Time Division Duplex) with validity of 16 years.

Celcom meanwhile, was reissued existing spectrum in 1950 MHz to 1965MHz and 2140 MHz to 2155MHz for a period of 16 years effective from April 2, 2018.

In its announcement to Bursa, Axiata said that the price component fee was funded mainly through internally generated funds.

Digi meanwhile, told Bursa that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DigiTel) has accepted an offer from MCMC granting DigiTel the reissuance of its 2100MHz spectrum assignment at 2x15MHz band for a period of 16 years effective from April 2, 2018.

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