Malaysian WiMAX Operators Warned to Improve Coverage

Published on: 10th Aug 2009

Malaysia's government has warned WiMAX operators that it has the power to revoke their operating licenses if they do not meet minimum coverage requirements by the end of this year. The country's Information, Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said that all companies responsible for providing wireless services must achieve a 25% broadband penetration by the end of this year, and up to 50% by the end of next year.

He named three companies, YTL e-Solutions, Asiaspace Dotcom and REDtone International - although REDtone argues that it has reached the minumum requirements, and is indeed petitioning for a national WiMAX license.

"They have to prove by the end of the year that they are able to provide wireless services, especially to Sabah and Sarawak," he told The Star newspaper, adding that "we have given them warnings to prove why their licences should not be revoked by the end of the year if they do not fulfil their responsibility as required by their licences,"

Currently, only Packet One Networks (P1) has rolled out a substantial network, and is expanding into rural areas.

Green Packet, YTL e-Solutions and Asiaspace are licensed to offer WiMAX services on the main peninsula, while REDtone's area of operation is in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

On the web: The Star

 

Tags: [wimax]  [packet one networks]  [redtone]  [three]  [packet one]  [sabah]  [asiaspace]  [Malaysia]