Malaysia, Three Asian Nations Agree on 700 MHz Band Plan

SINGAPORE, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), Direktorat Jenderal Sumber Daya dan Perangkat Pos dan Informatika of Indonesia (DG SDPPI), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) have jointly announced a commitment to align with the Asia Pacific Telecommunity 700 MHz band plan. This was announced by Singapore Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim at the official opening of the annual Infocomm Media Business Exchange 2013 (imbX). "The agreement, which is in line with the APT band plan, will allow countries to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband, improve regional mobile, roaming and provide more competitive mobile broadband services," Dr Yaacob said in his speech. Yaacob said the 700 Mhz digital dividend radio frequencies, expected to be available by 2020 after the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting, will greatly strengthen connectivity with the region and beyond. The 700 MHz band offers improves data rates for mobile broadband, and enables wider coverage and improved indoor service. Held annually in Singapore since 2009, the imbX is Asia's largest ICT, digital media and entertainment platform, and draws about 60,000 international participants from governments, industry and media around the world. Also present at the opening ceremony was Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who is in Singapore for the eGov Global Exchange 2013 and Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbX) Ministerial Forum on ICT. --BERNAMA