NBTC gives green light to auction details for 4G spectrum

NBTC gives green light to auction details for 4G spectrum

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved details of its two fourth-generation (4G) spectrum auctions scheduled for August and November.

Bidders will compete for 25 megahertz of bandwidth on the 1800-MHz spectrum previously used by True Move and Digital Phone Co in August.

Another auction for 17.5 MHz bandwidth on the 900-MHz spectrum used by Advanced Info Service is scheduled for November.

The NBTC's telecom committee approved the details yesterday.

But committee chairman Col Settapong Malisuwan said the expected reserve prices for 5 MHz of bandwidth on both frequencies were not finalised.

Earlier, an NBTC source suggested the planned reserve price for 5 MHz on the 1800-MHz spectrum could be set at 5 billion baht.

The reserve price for another 5 MHz of bandwidth on the 900-MHz spectrum will be 9 billion baht.

Col Settapong said the NBTC will call bids for two slots of the 1800-MHz spectrum, each containing 12.5 MHz of bandwidth.

Licences auctioned will be valid for 19 years for 12.5 MHz of bandwidth on the spectrum.

Each participant can bid for a maximum of 12.5 MHz in compliance with the NBTC's spectrum caps rule.

Another auction for 17.5 MHz on the 900-MHz spectrum will also be divided into two slots — one containing 10 MHz of bandwidth and the other and 7.5 MHz.

Licences will have a 15-year term. Participants can bid for the entire 17.5 MHz.

Bidders may participate in both auctions.

Col Settapong said winning bidders' 4G networks must cover 40% of the country's population within four years after receiving a licence.

In comparison with the network rollout for 3G on the 2100-MHz spectrum, the regulator requires operators to expand their network coverage nationwide to half the population within two years, increasing to 80% within four years.

Col Settapong said the regulations governing 4G licences are more flexible than for 3G, as the technology complements 3G service, particularly data use.

The NBTC expects to announce a draft information memorandum for the allocation of the 1800- and 900-MHz spectra next month, he said.

A public hearing will be held 45 days before it is submitted to the NBTC board for final approval.

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