Malaysia's Time dotCom may team-up for next-generation networks

date: November 19, 2001

TIME dotCom Bhd will have to consider an alliance with either Maxis Communications Bhd or Technology Resources Industries Bhd (TRI) if it intends to roll out 3G wireless broadband and interactive services.

"The Government is expected to set a minimum standard for 3G rollout, and the only way Time will be able to meet the requirement is to seek a partner with sufficient network coverage, or at least the ability to attain sufficient coverage," said a network manager of a local mobile telephony company.

"TRI, the operator of Celcom (M) Sdn Bhd, claims to have over 90 per cent coverage of the country, while Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission rates Maxis as the best in terms of customer satisfaction.

"Time dotCom's network coverage is no-where near that of these two operators," he said.

As such, Time dotCom is likely to see a boost in demand for its services with the introduction of 3G, but it must first secure a partnership with a suitable player, industry watchers said.

Its chief executive Bob Fox has said that as the consolidation of existing network assets will be given priority (in the allocation of 3G spectrum rights) over applications from individual companies, the company will most likely enter into a partnership or partnerships with suitable players.

Last week, Maxis and Technology Resources Industries have both said that they are looking to the 3GVNO model rather than acquire licenses and expand any existing networks. It has been the Malaysian government's intention to force consolidation amongst the five operators in the industry and so it is highly likely they will allow 3GVNOs to exist.

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