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Spectrum is precious: Deploy WiMAX or else, says Malaysia authority
WiMAX licensees reminded to deploy services soon or face penalties
The Malaysian National News Agency, Bernama, reports that the four WiMAX licensed companies are facing the possibility of a fine and having their licenses revoked if their services do not commence in a year's time. The comments came from Malaysia's Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik. The ministry has previously informed the companies of desires to see commercial services in place by March 2008.
The four license holders are: Asiaspace Dotcom, REDtone-CNX Broadband, Bizsurf and Packet One Networks. A three-month extension will be granted to those not readied by March. "In six months if they do not start, they will be fined and if by one year they do not start their service, their licenses will be revoked," Dr. Lim told reporters.
On Tuesday, Packet One Networks announced that it had selected Alcatel-Lucent to manage and deploy the operator's WiMAX equipment. The Packet One network is anticipated to reach 25% of the nation's population by the end of this year.
WiMAX operators are expected to deliver services to both rural communities and urban centers of Malaysia. 80% coverage of the country and reaching 99% of the population are the targets for deploying Mobile WiMAX services. Dr. Lim estimated that 5,000 communication towers and broadcast locations will be needed over the next two years to achieve country-wide WiMAX coverage.
Radio frequency spectrum is a precious real estate in all parts of the world. Regulators are taken aggressive positions to make sure that license holders deliver valuable services using WiMAX and other contemporary wireless protocols and do not become spectrum squatters.
By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology
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