Thailand’s AIS,True win 4G spectrum licences

The outcome of the second day of Thailand’s first fourth-generation (4G) spectrum auctions far exceeded the national telecom regulator’s expectations in terms of bidding.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand closed at 1,384.29 points, down 0.42 per cent with the trading volume of 46.029 billion baht.

The bidding was declared over. 892 billion, while that for the first licence stood at Bt18.

The bidding appears to have been frenzied in the 1800-MHz contest. “This figure is equal to those in developed countries”. Dtac said in a statement that it will continue to offer 4G in the 1,800 MHz band through its concession agreement with CAT Telecom. 30 billion. The total price of the two licences in that round was Bt38.

“Operators must cut costs without passing the burden on to consumers”, he said.

“If AIS plans to win two licences (1800MHz and 900 Mhz), it may have to pay for 70 billion baht and half of them are required to pay within 90 days”.

“The tariff conditions have already been identified in the draft auction rules”, Mr Takorn said. They will also be compelled to offer special packages for those on low incomes.

The full price of each licence was Bt19.

More importantly, development of 4G long-term evolution service is compatible with the 1800-MHz band, which can also support future 5G networks. Licencees must provide 40% coverage in four years and prices must not be higher than current 2.1-GHz 3G prices. “That’s why operators are vying for a licence”, Mr Tom said. Competition was fierce at around 11.40am on Wednesday during the fifth round after the bid for the second licence block exceeded 100 per cent of the full spectrum value.

It remains to be seen what impact the result of the 1800-MHz sale will have on the auction of two 900-MHz licences due to take place in Thailand next month. Dtac had dropped out nearly at the beginning with a maximum bid of just $488 million (17,504 million baht) and it was True, AIS and new entrant Jasmine (better known for its fixed line broadband network under the brand 3BB) that battled it out without rest nor sleep.