Thailand's 4G spectrum auction exceeds $2 billion

Thailand's 4G spectrum auction exceeds $2 billion

Thailand has attracted bids of over $2.17 billion (77.99 billion baht) for licences in the 1800MHz spectrum auction, according to the country’s regulator.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) extended the auction time after aggressive bidding from four operators – Advanced Info Service, True Corp, Total Access Communication and Jasmine International – drove up prices for the 1800MHz spectrum. 

The tender for two 15MHz licences in the 1800MHz band was held on Wednesday and is the first of two – with the next auction for two 4G licences of 900MHz spectrum scheduled for December 15 2015.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp – Thailand’s largest and third largest mobile operator respectively – are expected to emerge the winners of the auction. AIS – 23% owned by Singtel – is the only operator yet to provide 4G service in the country.

True Corp – 18% owned by China Mobile – and Total Access Communication – controlled by Norway’s Telenor – are said to be the leading providers of 4G services in the country.

 



Gift this article