Page 141 - SAMENA Trends - February-March 2021

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

the Standalone (SA) 5G network, while at the same 5G launch. The CTT confirmed in April 2018 that
enhancing indoor 5G coverage.’ He added: ‘We expect separate licenses will not be required for the provision
that by March we will have general indoor coverage of 5G, as the technology will be included in an updated
and by [June] full indoor coverage for all public general converged telecom concession that will be issued to
areas.’ The telco is awaiting the release of 5G permits by existing 3G and 4G license holders, though this has still
the local regulator, the Post and Telecommunications to take place.
Bureau (CTT), before it can proceed with a commercial (February 8, 2021) commsupdate.com

The government is aiming to increase access to Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on
internet services from the current level of 14% of the the revenue of ICT service providers. It also wants
population to 80% by 2026. ITWeb reports that the plan to establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to build
is one of the targets of the Malawi Digital Economy a backbone from Nacara in Mozambique to the
Malawi Strategy (2021-2026), which has been prepared by Malawian capital Lilongwe. The government said
the National Planning Commission (NPC). In a bid to
access to affordable internet will enable the country to
make internet access more affordable, the government protect the environment while achieving urbanization
intends to phase out the 10% excise duty on data and and industrialization in line with the new Malawi 2063
SMS tariff purchases, which was introduced in July (MW2063) vision.
2015, as well as the 3.5% levy imposed by the Malawi (March 11, 2021) commsupdate.com

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia coverage nationwide. (March 15, 2021) satellitetoday.com
Commission (MCMC) has taken a significant step
to bring the benefits of satellite connectivity to parts The Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled the
of its population. MCMC announced that it is issuing country’s 5G infrastructure plan, which will give all
Malaysia an invitation for the installation and provisioning of licensed operators equal access to a nationwide
network, with the first services to be available by the
broadband access services via satellite at 839 locations
nationwide in Johor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, end of 2021, The Star reported. The premier said the
Pahang, Perak, Selangor, Sabah, and Sarawak across government will set up a special purpose vehicle to
the country. These locations comprise of Orang Asli manage network construction, which will involve a total
settlements in Peninsular Malaysia, and remote areas investment of MYR15 billion ($3.7 billion) over a ten-
in Sabah and Sarawak where public cellular services year period and create an estimated 105,000 jobs. The
and mobile broadband will take a considerable time to entity will be allocated the required spectrum to own,
deploy, given the consideration of population density implement and manage the network, the newspaper
and geographical terrain. Peninsular Malaysia has stated. Yassin explained infrastructure cost-sharing
178 locations (21%), Sabah has 138 locations (17%) will enable operators to generate higher returns, and
and Sarawak has 523 locations (62%). This service is deliver better and cheaper 5G services to consumers,
expected to be deployed by October 2021. It aims to The Star reported. Deployment will be done in stages.
provide an intermediate solution, while Malaysia waits In 2020, the government postponed the launch of the
for other alternatives. The population at each location next-generation service to focus on improving is LTE
will get to enjoy free Wi-Fi at an average speed of 35 coverage and dropped a plan to bypass a 5G tender
Mbps. This program falls under the nation’s JENDELA process for operators.
(Jalinan Digital Negara) initiative to expand broadband (February 19, 2021) mobileworldlive.com

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has on ‘establishing the framework for the assignment
opened a public consultation into the award of of spectrum within these bands and the applicable
5G-capable spectrum in the 700MHz, 3.5GHz and obligations and license conditions.
26GHz bands. The regulator is seeking submissions (February 10, 2021) commsupdate.com
Malta

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