Dr. Saran Boonbaichaiphruek, Chairman of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), announced on January 14, 2025, a resolution of NBTC board meeting that approve NBTC to bring the criteria and methods for permitting the use of spectrum for international mobile telecommunications to the public hearing within 30 days.
These frequency bands include 850 megahertz (MHz), 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 26 GHz. After the data is collected, it will be presented in the meeting for consideration before being announced in the Royal Gazette. The auction is expected to be held in April 2025.
Mr. Manat Manavutiveth, CEO of True Corporation Public Company Limited (SET: TRUE), reveals to Kaohoon that the company is ready to participate in the bidding for all spectrum but will analyze first whether the conditions and prices set by NBTC are acceptable. As for the current frequency bands, 850MHz and 2300 MHz, the 850MHz now used by 3G mobile phones will be upgraded to be used with 6G if the frequency band is auctioned.
The company admits that competition still remains in the market. Despite having only two mobile operators in the race, TRUE remains committed to improve its service consistently.
Mr. Pisut Ngamvijitvong, Senior Equity Research Analyst at Kasikorn Securities, speculated that the frequency band TRUE interested in is 2300 MHz, with the median price set at approximately 30 billion baht. As for the 850MHz that TRUE currently uses, he forecasted that the company would not participate in its auction since TRUE already has another low-frequency band, 700 MHZ.
Furthermore, Mr. Pisut speculated that TRUE’s competitor, Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (SET: ADVANC), will participate in the auction for 2100 MHZ, which the company currently uses. The median price is set at approximately 16 billion baht due to it being a medium frequency band that is necessary for providing services, which AIS requires.
The senior analyst also expects that there will not be any significant price competition in this bidding. As a result, the cost of this auction will be lower than usual, leading to a reduction in costs and positive revenue for both mobile operators.
