Malaysia: Licensing 4G WiMax for 4 service providers

On March 15, the Malaysian government licensed four of its telecom operators to provide fourth-generation (4G) high-speed wireless Internet services from this year.

These four businesses include: Bizsurf (M), MIB Comm, Redtone-CNX Broadband and Asiaspace Dotcom. Bizsurf is a subsidiary of YTL e-Solutions, part of Malaysia's YTL Group, which invests in construction, housing, electricity .

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According to the Malaysian Telecommunications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), except Redtone-CNX, all three firms are allowed to provide WiMax throughout Malaysia. Redtone-CNX only provides WiMax service in East Malaysia and Borneo island.

It is expected that these 4 companies will invest about 85.7 million USD in the first 3 years to build infrastructure and provide services. These carriers will provide WiMax service on the 2.3GHz band and expect to cover 70% of Malaysia by 2010.

Bizsurf (M), MIB Comm, Redtone-CNX Broadband and Asiaspace Dotcom are 4 out of 17 companies that have participated in a bidding project for WiMax. The tender also includes DiGi Telecommunications and Maxis Communications, Malaysia's largest mobile operator.