04 June 2025
Thailand’s latest spectrum license auction has attracted only two bidders — True Corporation and Advanced Info Service (AIS) — raising questions about the future of the spectrum on offer.
Both companies have submitted their bid proposals to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), accompanied by bank guarantees equivalent to 10% of the reserve price for each spectrum band they intend to bid on.
The auction scheduled for 29 June involves four spectrum bands: 850MHz, 1500MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz. However, reports indicate that AIS and True are mainly interested in acquiring the 2100MHz and 2300MHz bands. The 850MHz band has two lots, each measuring 2x5MHz, with a minimum bid of 7.738 billion baht per lot. The 2100MHz band offers three lots of 2x5MHz, with a minimum bid of 4.5 billion baht (about US$137 million) per lot. The 2300MHz band features seven lots of 10MHz, with a minimum bid of 2.596 billion baht each. Meanwhile, the 1500MHz band comprises eleven lots of 5MHz, with a minimum bid of 1.057 billion baht per lot.
Following the application review period from 30 May to 5 June, the NBTC will evaluate the applicants’ qualifications and submit its findings to the board for approval. The regulator aims to announce qualified bidders between 6-13 June, with appeals possible from 16-18 June. Successful bidders are expected to be announced on 19 June. A mock auction will be conducted on 23 June to prepare for the main event, which is scheduled for 29 June.
Uncertainty remains regarding what will happen to any spectrum that remains unsold after the auction. Compounding the situation, a coalition led by the Thailand Consumer Council recently submitted a petition to the Central Administrative Court, calling for the auction to be cancelled. The group argues that the auction could harm consumer interests and potentially lead to a monopolistic market, raising concerns about competition and pricing in the country’s telecom sector.
