MYTV to begin free decoder distribution this month

MYTV Broadcasting Sdn Bhd (MYTV) will be distributing a total of 1.5 million free decoder sets nationwide from this month, The Star Online reported.

The distribution is part of the government’s initiative to move terrestrial TV broadcasting signal from analogue to digital. The decommissioning of the analogue TV broadcast will free up the 700MHz band currently being used for the purpose. The spectrum can be better utilised to expand LTE coverage. In theory, 700MHz can provide twice the coverage radius when compared to the 1800MHz spectrum.

Analogue TV in Malaysia was supposed to shut down by 30 June 2018 but it was postponed to Q1 2019. MYTV, which is owned by Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary was told to complete its digital TV rollout within the dateline or face action from MCMC.

Distribution of the free decoders will commence in phases starting this month. Recipients are chosen from those who have registered for the Bantuan Sara Hidup Rakyat (BSHR) program. Priority will be given to the lowest income groups.

The selected recipients will receive a notification letter to inform them that they qualify to receive the free MYTV decoders, they will then need to contact MYTV to verify their eligibility. MYTV is working with Pos Malaysia to distribute the decoders in phases nationwide.

This announcement is a response from the large of enquiries MYTV received last week via its customer careline regarding the decoders.

MYTV chief executive officer Michael Chan said, “We apologise to members of the public who have been trying to contact us through the MYTV Customer Careline, but were unable to get through due to the high volume of calls.

“We assure you we are attending to as many calls as we can. Also, the seven-day deadline to respond has been extended to Jan 31 to allow eligible recipients to get in touch with us.”

Chan added, “We have also prepared alternative channels for the public to get in touch with us at their convenience.

“The Free Decoder Sets will be delivered to the addresses as per registered with BSHR through Pos Malaysia.”

Those who have received the notification letter from MYTV can contact MYTV via the following channel to confirm that you will be receiving the decoders:

MYTV Customer Careline (1300-80-6988)
Facebook via DM only (MYTVBroadcasting)
Email (careline@mytvbroadcasting.my)
WhatsApp/SMS: 011-5200 6988