MYTV signs deal with Telekom Malaysia for DTT infrastructure

MYTV and TM ink an agreement for DTT’s infrastructure and network facilities services in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s broadcasting industry today witnessed another landmark when two (2) of its major players – MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) signed an agreement for the provision of infrastructure and network facilities for digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in Malaysia.

With the agreement sealed between MYTV and TM, both parties are set to bring Malaysia’s first DTT infrastructure forward.

The significant moment was witnessed by YB. Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Communications and Multimedia. Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Yaacob, Group Chief Executive Officer signed the agreement on behalf of MYTV while TM was represented by its Executive Vice President, En Wan Ahmad Kamal Wan Halim. Also present at the event were Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Mohamed Tarmizi, Chairman of the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim Shafie, Chairman of TM and Dato’ Hilmi Mohd Noor, Director of MYTV.

Under the Agreement, TM will be providing MYTV with infrastructure and network services which include Terrestrial Distribution Network Services, Satellite Distribution Network Services, Broadcast Contribution Network Services, Station Facilities and Infrastructure Services and Operation & Maintenance Services.

In his speech, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery praised both MYTV and TM for their joint collaboration to bring Malaysia a step closer to realising the national vision for DTT.

“The migration from analogue to DTT will revolutionise the broadcasting industry in Malaysia and set the tone for the industry in the years to come. With the infrastructure in place, I hope all players in the broadcasting industry will take full advantage of the many opportunities available as the result of the DTT migration,” he said.

Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery also reiterated that the changes in the digital broadcasting landscape would lead to a reduction in broadcasting infrastructure costs. He added that with the management of broadcasting infrastructures now tasked to MYTV, existing broadcasters and potential channel owners can now concentrate on producing quality content for local and export markets.

“This would certainly spur the industry further and bring tremendous benefits to Malaysian viewers as more choices would be available in the foreseeable future,” said Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Sri Dr Halim said, “We are happy and excited with this latest collaboration with MYTV as it gives us the opportunity to be part of MYTV’s growth, in line with our commitment of ‘Business Made Easier’ for our valued business partners. We are also glad to continue playing our role in the development of DTT services in Malaysia, hence providing Malaysians with enhanced wholesome viewing experience.”

“Today’s signing of the agreement with TM cements our commitment to spearhead the digital transformation of Malaysia’s broadcasting landscape,” said Dato’ Hilmi.

“We are pleased that TM, the largest infrastructure services provider in the country has come on board with us to mark this significant milestone for MYTV to chart the positioning of the channel owners on the DTT platform,” he added. Dato’ Hilmi further said that as one of its important partners, TM owns sites that are strategically located where MYTV operations will be well-supported.

The collaboration between MYTV and TM is crucial in ensuring that the required infrastructure and ancillary services are put in place to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the DTT transformation project to help realise the national vision to create a dynamic broadcasting sector that offers more choices in entertainment, interactive TV as well as high-quality informative programmes.

The agreement also entails TM developing a terrestrial distribution network to connect MYTV’s Digital Multimedia Broadcasting Hub (DMBH) to all 37 main transmitter sites, 10 regional hubs and 2 earth stations via a nationwide STM-1 ring network. In addition, TM will also provide MYTV with the fibre broadcast network and system that will allow MYTV to deliver the high quality picture and an improved overall quality of digital viewing experience.

The DTT services will be rolled out in four (4) phases, starting with Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang in mid 2015. The rest of the country will switch over in three (3) stages. Phase 2 will cover areas in Sabah and Sarawak while Phase 3 will cover Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. The final Phase 4 will cover areas in Selangor, Klang Valley, Putrajaya and all capital cities and suburban towns.​