Spectrum

Pursuant to section 157 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), no person shall intentionally use any part of the spectrum to provide a network service unless–

  • The person holds a spectrum assignment;
  • The person holds an apparatus assignment; or

The use of the spectrum is subject to class assignment issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (the Commission).

The penalty for contravening this section is a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five (5) years or both.

All assignments must be consistent with the Spectrum Plan. The Spectrum Plan divides the spectrum in Malaysia into a number of frequency bands and specifies the purposes for which the bands may be used. This process is referred to as the allocation of frequency bands to radiocommunication services.

The purpose of an assignment is to confer the right to a person to use the spectrum (frequencies up to 420 THz). It also serves as a means to manage the efficient use of spectrum.