Maxis and DiGi make initial payments for 3G spectrum renewal

Following on from recent reports that Malaysian mobile operator Celcom has agreed to the terms for the reissuance of its 2100MHz spectrum, its rivals Maxis and DiGi have now done likewise. In a filing with the Bursa Malaysia, Maxis noted that it had accepted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC’s) offer to renew its holdings in the aforementioned band, which comprise a 2×15MHz FDD block and 1×5MHz TDD block. Having paid the price component fee of MYR118.4 million (USD30 million), Maxis will retain its 2100MHz frequencies for a further 16 years starting 2 April 2018, with it required to make an annual fixed fee payment of MYR50 million for the spectrum. Meanwhile, in its own filing DiGi said it too had accepted the regulator’s spectrum renewal offer for its 2×15MHz of 2100MHz frequencies – on the same financial terms, and for the same duration, as its rivals – while confirming it has now made the initial lump sum payment required.