Successfully Secured Spectrum in 41.27-billion-baht Auction for AIS
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced the results of the mobile spectrum auction held on June 29, 2023. The auction covered the 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands.
In a closely-watched competition, Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service, and True Move H Universal Communication (TUC), a subsidiary of True Corporation, emerged as the winners.
AWN secured 30 MHz on the 2100 MHz band with a bid of 14.8 billion baht, while TUC won 20 MHz on the 1500 MHz band and 70 MHz on the 2300 MHz band with a combined bid of 26.4 billion baht. neither bidder went for the 850 MHz band.
The auctioned spectrum was divided into three groups: Group 1 (Low Band, 850 MHz), Group 2 (Mid Band, currently used for mobile services, with 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz), and Group 3 (Mid Band, not currently in use for mobile services, with 1500 MHz).
In Group 2, TUC was the winner in the 2300 MHz band, awarded 7 blocks in the 2300-2370 MHz range with a final bid of THB21,770,000,168. AWN was the winner in the 2100 MHz band, awarded 3 blocks in the 1965-1980 MHz / 2155-2170 MHz range with a final bid of THB14,850,000,010.
In Group 3, TUC won 4 blocks in the 1452-1472 MHz range with a final bid of THB4,653,960,168.
The auction drew strong interest, but intense bidding is unlikely due to operators focusing on defending current spectrum allocations. The results of the auction covering the 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands will be formally certified on July 2, 2025.
The NBTC board approved these results after thorough review and discussions on additional license conditions to ensure network rollout and fair competition. Both winning operators were required to pay 50% of the spectrum fee at least seven days before the start of spectrum usage, which was scheduled for August 4, 2025.
TrueMove H later completed its first payment for these licenses, amounting to approximately 21.77 billion baht for the 2300 MHz band and 4.65 billion baht for the 1500 MHz band. With this acquisition, TrueMove H has the most comprehensive spectrum portfolio in Thailand, spanning multiple frequency bands that support network modernization and technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT. The 2300 MHz band allows for both 4G and 5G services, while the 1500 MHz band is positioned as an ideal spectrum for future network capacity and coverage enhancements.
The auction had limited competition, with only two qualified bidders, and faced scrutiny regarding the auction conditions, which included a network rollout requirement of coverage to 90% of the population within five years—an unprecedented condition in prior auctions. These conditions aimed at enhancing service expansion and quality nationwide.
Top executives from True Corporation, Charoen Pokphand Group, and their respective teams participated in the auction. AIS executives arrived at the auction at 7.59am, led by CEO Somchai Lertsutiwong. The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) held the auction, and the licensing conditions for the auction include competition promotion, infrastructure sharing, allocation of network capacity 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, and a key auction timeline.
The auction, which began at 9.30am and concluded at 10.48am, generated a total bid value of THB41,273,960,346 (excluding VAT). The auction had no bidders for the 850 MHz band. The results of the auction mark a significant step forward in the development of Thailand's mobile network infrastructure and the rollout of 5G services.
- The technology sector experienced significant investment in the country's mobile infrastructure following the NBTC's auction of mobile spectrum, with Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) and True Move H Universal Communication (TUC) securing key frequencies.
- With their triumph in the 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands, AWN and TUC, respectively, will be able to support advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT in the Thai market.
- The high-stakes competition resulted in a total bid value of THB41,273,960,346 (excluding VAT), but the lack of bidders for the 850 MHz band indicates a focus on existing spectrum allocations by operators.
- The successful bidders are required to adhere to strict auction conditions intended to promote competition, shore up infrastructure, and expand service in Thailand.
- The auction's outcome, motivated by both business and technological potential, sets the stage for a transformation in the future of Thailand's mobile economy and infrastructure.
