There go the WiMax bubbles
That DiGi bid for a WiMax network that NST-Business Times talked about may be a stillborn for now.
According to a Reuters story at 15:06hr today, the government has cancelled the tender for its first wireless broadband (WiMax) license for the 2.3 GHz spectrum.
It is the industry regulator, MCMC, that screwed up the tender process, said Energy, Water and Communications Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik today.
The tender was called in May and was supposed to be closed today, July 18.
"The tender has to be recalled because the specifications are not in accordance to ministry policies," Minister Dr Lim told reporters at an industry conference, Reuters reported.
Lim said he was disappointed with industry regulator the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), adding that the conditions for the tender did not take into account the building of infrastructure and content.
But he did not say when the tender would be reissued.
On the policy level, the decision is considered as a setback in the country's ambitions to become a leader in mobile high-speed Internet access by the end of 2006.
On the business operation level, at least three companies are affected, namely DiGi, Redtone International and NasionCom Holdings -- which are in the running for the tender to win a WiMax license for the 2.3 GHz spectrum.
UPDATES: Bernama quoted Dr Lim as saying that there were things to consider in deciding to award the 2.3 GHz spectrum and the Ministry would try to get further feedback from the industry.
Among them is the provision of connectivity infrastructure as well as content building.
"Do you give to those who provide services only or to those who could provide infrastructure connectivity and content building?" he questioned.
Bernama gave the context that WiMAX, or Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access, enables the delivery
of last-mile wireless broadband as an alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL). It serves as a very high bandwidth "back-haul" for Internet or cellular phone traffic from remote areas back to a backbone.
Thanks YW Loke of BeritaMalaysia for the heads-up.
Comments
Damn .. why is Malaysia always so slow to catch up with the worlds ? MSC ? Wawasan 2020.... just lay down and dream on ...
Check out our neighbour ..
http://www.qmax.com.sg/ , just S$9.90 for unlimited wimax access and the company already own 6 2.3ghz spectrum.
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/communications/0,39044192,39307240,00.htm
Posted by: firestream![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 05:31 PM
Oh noOOo.... *bangs head*
Posted by: Phantom78![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 05:52 PM
Heard news that DiGi has bought into TTdotcom. Anyone can confirmed?
Looks like the playing field is now leveled.
Posted by: N-thusiast![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 06:31 PM
This is not surprising.
Take a look at my *paid* Jaring email account of 10MB compared to free email of 1GB...
What else do we expect to catch up with the rest of the world?
Posted by: OverseasMsian![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 08:07 PM
ah... so this is the thing...
i was told by ex-very high position person in the MCMC that there will be another trouble with the spectrum license but i didnt ask much... so this is the 1 he mean eh...
the person who told me about this foreseen problem, resigned coz he disagree with the minister's decision to reject Digi's application for the 3G last time...
Posted by: wklim79![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 08:24 PM
wataminute... i thought airzed has already rolled out wimax in certain areas of selangor/kayel. check out www.airzed.com
word has it the company is related to one of the mahathir boys, anyone can confirm this?
Posted by: Ratnavendra![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 11:31 PM
When did Lim kheng yaik said that he was going to retire? It'd better be soon cos it seems obvious he is protecting the 3G guys. How come perak state government is rolling out Wimax. Have they got approval for this?
Posted by: sydput![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 18, 2006 11:49 PM
Celcom plugging Skype?
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a324/tkchow/0081_001-4.jpg
Posted by: Insanity![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 19, 2006 10:15 AM
WiMAX networks are highly potential in VoIP mobile services. In long run, it is killer application to GSM/PCN+GPRS+3G.
MCMC can keep delaying WiMAX deployment process locally to buy more time for mobile telco. Once manufacturer mass produce WiMAX phone, it will render typical GSM/PCN phone obsolete.
Company that exploiting current mobile SMS services will be unhappy, because WiMAX application can easily reject unsolicitated or even enable blacklist services to kick them out.
To general public health concern, once WiMAX run in full capacity, we will no longer see those stack of ugly telco relay station near around our neighbourhood.
Because shared access is essential WiMAX application, there is no excuses for provider to install their own broadcast facilities in the same area.
Once WiMAX full penetrate major cities, Telekom Malaysia must convert their fix line business to VoIP base or risk to become another GLC dinausaur. And expect TM share give a sharp dive.
Posted by: moo_t![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 19, 2006 12:07 PM
on top of what moo_t said, a lot of company are trying WiMAX for their local-VPN network rather than using lease line from TM.
Some company, for example, are linking their branches in Puchong/Subang/Sham Alam area using Airzed WiMax....
U can kiss goodbye to the service that TM provide, especially streamyx & lease line in those problem area ...
Posted by: firestream![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 19, 2006 01:47 PM