Last year, the tender bid for the controversial 700MHz was closed and winners have yet to be announced.
However, there is talk within the industry that some pre-allocations have been made to some parties and the biggest blocks are going to players that may not be among the big three in the mobile world.
Under the tender process, the spectrum limit of four spectrum blocks per applicant was set with each spectrum block of 2x5MHz, which means that a total of eight blocks of 5MHz are up for grabs.
The entire block of 700MHz is 2x45MHz, wonder why the last block of 2x5MHz was not part of the tender. This has given rise to talk that it could be reserved for one player.
There is also talk that prior to the tender bid, some players were assured of certain blocks, some 2x10MHz, some 2x5MHz and one even 2x20MHz (under two companies but in the same group).
If indeed there are pre-allocations, why then go through the entire tender bid process? Was it just for show?
Spectrum is a prized commodity, especially the 700MHz as the cost to roll out services is half that of others and it covers a wider pathway.
Years ago, a player had secured the entire block via intense lobbying until the industry got wind of it and made enough noise to stop it. Can’t blame them, it was a clever strategy on their part because then the system allowed them to do so.
Pre-allocations should never happen if the entire bid process is transparent enough.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/06/01/how-transparent-is-the-700mhz-bid-and-award-process/