THE Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) has been urged to consider returning unused spectrum to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to be reallocated to interested parties for the development of telecommunications infrastructure in Sarawak.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi said it was made to understand that the spectrum allocated to current licence holders is not fully utilised for the development of connectivity, especially in rural areas.
“However, the jurisdiction over the spectrum lies with the federal government, which creates difficulties for the Sarawak government or parties interested in implementing connectivity improvement programmes in the area.
“Hence, I would like to suggest to the KKD, through MCMC, to review the possibility of returning unused spectrum to MCMC and allocating it to parties interested in developing telecommunications infrastructure in Sarawak,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
On a related note, Julaihi said his ministry has also recommended that KKD, through MCMC, obtain confirmation and approval from the Sarawak government before allocating spectrum to any party intending to operate in Sarawak which aligns with the amended Sarawak Land Code (SLC) last year.
Earlier, referring to the amendment of Section 2, 37 and 213 of SLC last year, it empowered the Sarawak government to regulate airspace, including management and usage of spectrum.
“Referring to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, KKD can allocate the use of related spectrum bands to Sarawak under Section 159 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“Given that Sarawak, with an area comparable to Peninsular Malaysia, there are many areas still lacking comprehensive and quality internet coverage.
“Therefore, the Sarawak government through my ministry seeks approval for the use of the relevant spectrum band from the federal government through MCMC.
“This facilitates more effective and efficient efforts by the Sarawak government to expand internet coverage,” said Julaihi.
Spectrum refers to the invisible radio frequency that wireless signals travel and these signals allow for communication over the airwaves.
