Malaysia’s telecoms regulator confirmed plans to allocate 5G spectrum across four bands, with commercial deployments expected to begin by the third quarter of 2020.

Following a public inquiry and release of a final report in September last year, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) identified the 700MHz, 3.5GHz, 26GHz and 28GHz bands as spectrum frequencies for the rollout of 5G.

Taking a new approach, MCMC is considering allocating the 700MHz and 3.5GHz bands to a single entity comprising a consortium formed by multiple licensees, instead of individual licensees, in an effort to lower capex by minimising costs and preventing the duplication of infrastructure. It will hold a tender.

Initially it will assign only 2x30MHz in the 700MHz band and 100MHz in the 3.5GHz band.

Frequencies in the 26GHz and 28GHz bands will be considered for assignment at a later date.

MCMC said the existing allocation of 4G spectrum will be maintained, which includes the assignment of the 2.3GHz and 2.6GHz bands until December 2021, with a review of these bands planned in 2021.