Local telecom provider CTM has seen its telecom public concession contract extended until December 31, 2023, a Financial Services Bureau (DSF) dispatch published in the Official Gazette reveals.
According to the dispatch, the Macau SAR government may terminate this extension on December 31, 2022, by merely communicating its decision to CTM 60 days in advance, and with the latter not being entitled to any compensation.
CTM public telecommunications service concession agreement – which was renewed for five years in 2016 – was set to end in December of this year.
The telecom operator had recently also seen its landline service license renewed until 2023, together with competitor MTel.
As referred by a Chief Executive dispatch, both operators have had their licenses renewed from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023.
During the year, CTM invested MOP625 million (US$77.8 million) in new projects, an increase of MOP385 million compared to the previous year, with its largest projects including the launch of the initial phase of the new 5G mobile network, internet and leased lines, and also the continuous development of the Customer Support Management System.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng revealed during his policy address that the local government will issue the first 5G licenses in 2022, with a new Telecommunications Law – which will cover a convergence license to telecommunications operators – to advance in the second half of 2023.
