In late 2019, Malaysia came up with one of the most innovative, if potentially over-complicated, 5G spectrum schemes, with the aim of accelerating build-out, especially to support enterprises, via a shared network. Last month, however, the government said it would bypass the auction process altogether for 700 MHz, and allocate the spectrum to five operators – Celcom Axiata, Maxis, Digi and Telekom Malaysia, plus MVNO Altel Communications (though not 4G providers U Mobile and YTL). In the government’s new plan, of May 15, the three largest MNOs – Celcom, Maxi and Digi – would have been allocated 2×10 MHz each in the 700 MHz band, with TM and Altel receiving 2×5 MHz each. However, there was no mention of the…