Two More for 3G in Malaysia?

May 18, 2005 - source: BWCS

The Malaysian government has said it will award two more next generation mobile phone licences in a bid to increase competition in the sector. The statement, from Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, came as Malaysian operator Celcom became the first mobile operator in the country to launch a 3G service.

Apart from Celcom, the only other company in possession of a 3G licence in Malaysia is Maxis Communications. Speaking to the New Straits Times, Najib Razak said "The government is currently holding two more blocks of 3G spectrum and, in order to create a more competitive environment, may consider awarding it in the near future."

The minister went on to say that local telecoms companies should benchmark themselves against world standards to ensure that not only tariffs and rates offered are competitive, but also that service quality meets best practices.