Thailand’s multibillion-baht telecom war is heating up as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) officially opens bidding for high-demand mobile spectrum licences. The auction, scheduled for June 29, could reshape the country’s digital future—but not without controversy.
Today, May 30, telecom giants True Move H and Advanced Info Service (AIS) submitted their applications to compete for spectrum licences in four key frequency bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz.
The NBTC has divided these into three groups, with opening bids ranging from 1.057 billion to 7.738 billion baht per lot, depending on the frequency and bandwidth.
True Corporation CEO Sigve Brekke led his team in filing their application at 11.09am, stating the company had carefully analysed the auction’s viability and brought in external consultants
“We see this as a key opportunity to enhance digital connectivity and contribute to Thailand’s regional digital economy leadership,” True declared.
Just hours later, at 2.14pm, AIS submitted its bid, represented by Waroonthep Watcharaporn. The applications were received by NBTC Commissioner Sompop Purivigraipong.
While the two telecom titans prepare for battle, critics say the game is already rigged. The Consumer Council, supported by several advocacy groups, filed a petition with the Central Administrative Court to halt the auction. The petition calls for revised auction criteria to ensure fair competition and to prevent market monopolisation.
Itthaboon Onwongsa, Deputy Secretary-General of the Consumer Council, said, “The market is effectively controlled by just two players. We need reforms to open up space for new entrants and ensure better consumer protection.”
Echoing these concerns, economist Pornthep Benyaapikul from Thammasat University noted that some bands, like the 2100 MHz, still have active licences with three years remaining. He warned that this could lead to spectrum hoarding and anti-competitive practices if not tightly regulated, reported The Nation.
Pornthep urged the NBTC to introduce post-auction reforms, including support for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), who lease bandwidth from licensed operators but offer independent services.
“Allowing MVNOs would inject real competition into the market without needing massive infrastructure investment,” he said.
With the deadline for applicant verification set for June 19 and the auction just weeks away, all eyes are on the NBTC to deliver a fair, forward-thinking process that prioritises both innovation and consumer rights.
The NBTC has opened applications for telecommunications operators to apply for licenses to use important frequency bands for international mobile telecommunications, namely 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz. Both True and AIS have already submitted license applications in preparation for the auction.
The auction divides the frequency spectrum into three major groups:
1. Low Band – 850 MHz
- Frequency range: 824 – 834 MHz paired with 869 – 879 MHz
- Number of sets: 2 sets (2 x 5 MHz each)
- Minimum price: 7,738.23 million baht per set
2. Mid Band
2100 MHz band
- Frequency range: 1965 – 1980 MHz paired with 2155 – 2170 MHz
- Number of sets: 3 sets (2 x 5 MHz each)
- Minimum price: 4,500 million baht per set
2300 MHz band
- Frequency range: 2300 – 2370 MHz
- Number of sets: 7 sets (10 MHz per set)
- Minimum price: 2,596.15 million baht per set
3. 1500 MHz band (not currently in use)
- Frequency range: 1452 – 1507 MHz
- Number of sets: 11 sets (5 MHz per set)
- Minimum price: 1,057.49 million baht per set
- True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd.
- Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd.
The application submission was held at Sailom Auditorium 5011, Auditorium Building, 1st floor, NBTC Office on 29 May 2025.
Next steps
After receiving the application, the NBTC office will proceed to verify the qualifications of the license applicant and organize a detailed explanation and demonstration auction on Monday, June 23, 2025 before the actual auction on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the NBTC office.