True, AIS secure spectrum in 41.27-billion-baht auction

The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Sunday (June 29) held a spectrum auction for mobile telecommunications services, offering licences across four frequency bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz.

The auctioned spectrum was divided into three groups:

Group 1 – Low Band (850 MHz)

• Frequency blocks: 824–834 MHz paired with 869–879 MHz
• Two blocks available, each at 2 x 5 MHz
• Starting bid per block: THB7.738 billion

Group 2 – Mid Band (currently used for mobile services)

• 2100 MHz: 1965–1980 MHz paired with 2155–2170 MHz
• Three blocks, each at 2 x 5 MHz
• Starting bid per block: THB4.5 billion
• 2300 MHz: 2300–2370 MHz
• Seven blocks, each at 10 MHz
• Starting bid per block: THB2.596 billion

Group 3 – Mid Band (not currently in use for mobile services)

1500 MHz: 1452–1507 MHz

• Eleven blocks, each at 5 MHz
• Starting bid per block: THB1.057 billion

Licensing conditions include:

• Competition promotion
• Infrastructure sharing
• 10% of network capacity allocated for MVNOs
• Cybersecurity requirements
• Network and data security
• Data privacy protection
• Cybercrime awareness
• Social and consumer protection measures
• Green ICT plan
• Digital inclusion
• Consumer protection plans
• Support for universal service obligations

Key auction timeline:

• Apr 29 – May 28: Invitation to bid
• May 15: Information session
• May 29: Bid application deadline
• Jun 19: Announcement of qualified bidders
• Jun 23: Mock auction
• Jun 29: Spectrum Auction Day
• By Jul 6: Results certified
• Jul 7–29: First instalment payment by winning bidders
• Aug 4: Licence activation begins

 

Telecom giants show up for bidding

At 7.29am, top executives from True Corporation arrived at NBTC headquarters, led by Group CEO Sigve Brekke, alongside key executives from Charoen Pokphand Group and the company's technology, finance, and regulatory teams, accompanied by auction strategy consultants. 

True is expected to defend its current holdings in the 2300 MHz band.

Later, at 7.59am, executives from Advanced Info Service (AIS), led by CEO Somchai Lertsutiwong, also arrived to take part in the auction for multiple bands. 

AIS is widely expected to bid for its existing 2100 MHz spectrum. Staff were present in large numbers to offer support, adding a festive mood to the proceedings.

Although the auction drew strong interest, observers noted that intense bidding is unlikely, as operators are expected to focus on defending their current spectrum allocations rather than acquiring new frequencies.

Following the conclusion of the auction, Prof Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the NBTC, announced that the Commission has acknowledged the results of the recent spectrum auction covering the 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands. The results will be formally certified on July 2 2025.

The auction, which began at 9.30am and concluded at 10.48am, generated a total bid value of THB41,273,960,346 (excluding VAT).

Auction results:

• 850 MHz band
• No bidders participated in this group.

2100 MHz band

• This band went through two bidding rounds.
• The winner: Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd.
• Awarded 3 blocks in the 1965–1980 MHz / 2155–2170 MHz range
• Final bid: THB14,850,000,010

2300 MHz band

• The winner: True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd.
• Awarded 7 blocks in the 2300–2370 MHz range
• Final bid: THB21,770,000,168

1500 MHz band

• Only one round was required.
• The winner: True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd.
• Awarded 4 blocks in the 1452–1472 MHz range
• Final bid: THB4,653,960,168

The NBTC declared the auction officially concluded following the announcement of the results.