:: 24/07/2012

Malaysia - At least 6 companies to bid for license to operate DTT platform

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to receive at least 6 bids for its tender of the license to operate the DTT platform.

The license-holder will be responsible for the roll-out and operation of the DTT platform which is expected to cost approximately MYR600 million (€155 million). In addition, the license-holder will be responsible for the take-up of the DTT platform and the switch-off of the analogue terrestrial platform which is expected to begin in 2015.

The government has already announced that it will not subsidise DTT receivers for low-income households thus making it the responsibility of the license holder to do so. Receiver subsidies are estimated to cost approximately MYR300 million (€77.5 million) for approximately 1 million households.

Interested companies include Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Astro (Usaha Tegas), Sapura, Celcom Axiata Bhd, Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd and KUB Malaysia Bhd. Other interested companies include Maxis Bhd, REDtone International Bhd and YTL Group.

The MCMC is expected to announce the license holder in 2013.

Source: Business Times