MCMC to regulate 5G wholesale pricing

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will regulate the wholesale pricing of the fifth generation (5G) technology standard for broadband cellular network (5G) as well as the Government of Malaysia Special Purpose Vehicle (GOMSPV).

Chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek said MCMC would also ensure equal access be given to all under licensed telecommunication companies (telcos) to disable monopoly.

“That is how we will guide and regulate, how the whole market will then operate regarding 5G,” he said during Bernama TV’s The Nation programme on the topic of “MyDIGITAL: Game Changer for Malaysia” aired yesterday.

GOMSPV is a dedicated special purpose vehicle (SPV) which will oversee the deployment of the 5G infrastructure and network in the country.

The provision and management of the 5G infrastructure by the SPV involves an investment of RM15 billion over a period of 10 years and will enable the distribution of 5G capacity to telecommunication companies in a fair and transparent manner.

Fadhlullah also said the SPV would build the 5G network and offer capacity via wholesale.

“Having the SPV is useful because it is less driven by profit as opposed to the market, which is driven by profit.

“There is nothing wrong with the market forces but it does cause social problems. With the SPV, it will contain those risks,” he said, adding that the move would allow consumers to enjoy better pricing and services.

Meanwhile, he said the launch of the MyDIGITAL initiative would help drive local companies to become a creator instead of a user.

MyDIGITAL will be executed via the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and is expected to create 500,000 jobs in the digital economy.

The initiative is also expected to contribute 22.6 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product, complementing the 12th Malaysia Plan and Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.