MCMC denies YTL has 700MHz TV spectrum

By Bernama

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today clarified that no assignment had been issued to YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL) for them to offer pay TV broadcasting using the 700Mhz band as reported.

MCMC, in a statement here, said the operating licence issued to YTL on Aug 30 was for a content applications service provider individual licence (CASP licence) to provide subscription-based Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services using their 2.3GHz WiMax network.

“MCMC would like to reiterate that no spectrum assignment has been issued to YTL in the 700MHz spectrum band for pay TV broadcasting, hence the reports and commentaries on a spectrum issuance are inaccurate,” it said.

Media reports over the past month said it is believed that the 700Mhz spectrum band is to be given to tycoon Tan Sri Francis Yeoh’s YTL to operate its hybrid television service slated for end 2011.

It can also be used to widen its broadband service.

The MCMC also clarified that it was assessing a detailed business plan by YTL for the roll out of digital pay TV and not 4G mobile services as reported.

Further, it said, under Malaysia’s National Spectrum Plan, 700MHz spectrum band was allocated for broadcasting service and not for Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G mobile services as speculated in the various media articles and reports.

“The ownership of all spectrum bands remains at all times with the Government of Malaysia,” the statement said. — Bernama