Spectrum Wars Amplifies Telco Competition

The upcoming spectrum reallocation in the 2H'16 is expected to heighten competition within ASEAN markets. In Singapore, incumbents like Singtel & Starhub were reserved a smaller portion of the allocation - allowing space for new players into Singapore's concentrated telco market.

Meanwhile in Malaysia, Digi & U-Mobile are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries, gaining a larger portion of the highly-prized 900MHz spectrum. Telco players in the region are expected to commit to higher capex in response to the spectrum reallocation possibly leading to higher borrowings and strained cashflows.