Macau Operators Face 3G License Threat

Macau's 3G networks face a possible censure from the regulators if they miss a target of migrating all their existing 2G subscribers onto the 3G networks within two years of receiving their licenses. The director of the Telecommunications Regulation Bureau (DSRT) issued the warning at the weekend during World Telecoms Day.

Mr Tou commented that he is "confident that the 3G operators can meet the requirement as they have adequate experience in promoting this mobile service," but warned that they could face losing their licenses if they do not achieve the deadline.

It is difficult to accept the warning at face value as it would mean shutting down a network which is actively supporting hundreds of thousands of users. The UK's regulator, Ofcom when faced with an issue of non-compliance with 3G coverage rollout by O2 issued a warning that it would shorten the license duration as a censure.

Macau's 3G service is provided by CTM, Hutchison 3G Macau and China Unicom - which does not have a local 2G subscriber base.

He did not clarify what would happen to the 2G spectrum, which would still need to be set aside for roaming customers, especially from Hong Kong.

According to estimates from the Mobile World database, Macau ended last year with some 794,000 subscribers, of which 18,000 (11k WCDMA, 7k EV-DO) are using the 3G networks.

Posted to the site on 18th May 2008