Malaysian regulator opens tender for universal mobile service

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a tender in a bid to select universal service providers for mobile services across the country. Under the guidelines the regulator has split the country into 22 clusters for the purposes of bidding, with operators able to bid for any number of clusters; up to two operators will be selected per cluster. Those companies wishing to bid must already hold the necessary network facilities provider (individual) and network service provider (individual) licences. Those interested in the tender are required to register their interest by 30 April 2009, following which companies will have to submit draft universal service plans by 15 June 2009. The MCMC has stipulated that implementation of the entire scope of any work agreed must take place within seven months after the regulator’s decision on the winning bidders.