Page 96 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2023

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Malta Redefines Universal Service Obligations, Opens Wholesale Market

Consultation

The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has issued a decision measures for vulnerable users; control of expenditure by users; and
to update universal service obligations (USOs) to bring them in comprehensive electronic directory. The changes will take effect
line with the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). from 1 August. Separately, the MCA has opened a consultation to
The regulator has redefined five aspects of the USO, namely: examine the regulation of the wholesale fixed broadband market
provision of voice communications services at a fixed location; to encourage further competition in a market dominated by two
provision of reduced tariff options; provision of other specific players, Melita and GO.

Malaysia to Sell Off 5G Wholesale Company

previous government’s efforts of a single 5G network. Speaking to
Bernama TV, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission chief operating officer Mohammed Ali Hanafiah
Mohd Yunus, revealed another entity will take over DNB once it
reaches 80% coverage in populated locations and make it a fully
private company, Malay Mail reported. The previous government
launched DNB in 2021, an unprecedented and controversial move
to have a singular 5G network that operators equally shared 65%
equity, with the rest held by the government. It argued this would
streamline the deployment of infrastructure, keeps costs low and
accelerates coverage. However, as Malaysia wrangled with
operators on how to conduct its 5G strategy, south-east Asian
neighbors have advanced further. Last week, the government
announced it will build a second 5G network and abolish the one
5G network policy that was in place. Prior to the announcement,
the US and European nations singled out Huawei in their warning
to the Malaysian government if it went ahead with its second
network. Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE have long been
accused of potentially providing security backdoor to national
infrastructures through their equipment, accusations they have
long denied. As part of Malaysia’s previous single network plan,
The Malaysian government will sell its wholesale 5G network Ericsson was the exclusive vendor partner, but critics have argued
company Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) once it reaches 80% marrying itself to one partner would prove expensive and will pass
coverage, as the new administration continues to dismantle the the cost down to subscribers.

96 MAY-JUNE 2023