MCMC to force LLU issue

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced it will press ahead with local loop unbundling despite objections from incumbent Telekom Malaysia. In a report issued last week the regulator confirmed its intention to stand firm on a July 2004 deadline for issuing the so-called ‘Determination on Access List incorporating Access to Network Elements (ANE)’. The new legislation will compel Telekom Malaysia to allow competitors access to the country’s last mile infrastructure, an area which is currently uncompetitive and which is hindering the development of broadband services.