The 3500-megahertz band is anticipated to attract two major telecom operators during the upcoming auction due to its potential to facilitate 6G services.
According to Pisut Ngamvijitvong, a senior equity research analyst at Kasikorn Securities (KS), Advanced Info Service (AIS) currently holds 50MHz of bandwidth for signal upload and download, which is less than that of its competitor, True Corporation. The telecom frequency bands are classified as low bands (below 1000MHz), mid-bands (1000MHz to 6000MHz), and high bands (above 6000MHz).
Mr. Pisut noted that the 3500MHz band is the most sought-after band for delivering 5G services in the global market. Both the 3500MHz and 5000MHz bands could potentially be included in the 6G standard by the World Radiocommunication Conference, with the 3500MHz band being capable of covering a wider area.
The official announcement regarding the 6G frequency standard is expected before 2027. If the auction for the 3500MHz band proceeds, it is likely to attract bids from both AIS and True, as it could provide them with a competitive advantage in the transition to 6G technologies.
Significantly, a portion of the 3500MHz band is currently utilized by various digital TV broadcasters transmitting their content via C-band satellite dishes, which are used by 60% of Thais for digital TV viewing. All digital TV broadcasting licenses are set to expire in 2029.
The bidding conditions for the 3500MHz band are expected to include a strategy for migrating TV viewers from C-band to KU-band satellite dishes, allowing the winning bidders to utilize the band effectively. An anonymous source from the telecom industry suggested that if AIS secures part of the 3500MHz band, it may focus its services primarily in Bangkok to avoid complications during the migration of viewers to KU-band dishes, which are predominantly used in rural areas.
As for targeted bands, on March 18, the NBTC board authorized management to conduct another public hearing regarding the planned auction of six mobile spectrum bands to ensure fair competition. These bands include 850MHz, 1500MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, and 26GHz, along with the 3500MHz band, which the NBTC is now planning to auction sooner than initially scheduled for 2027.
The date for this public hearing is set for April 1, covering all seven bands. NBTC commissioner Somphop Purivigraipong indicated that the hearing will likely postpone the auction of the six bands from the previously scheduled dates of May 17-18.
Industry experts believe AIS and True Corporation will compete for the 2100MHz and 2300MHz bands, despite their concerns about the high reserve prices. Mr. Pisut predicts that AIS will likely bid for the 2100MHz band, while True Corp. will target the 2300MHz band, as both operators currently operate under partnership agreements with state enterprise National Telecom, which expire in August 2025.
The 1800MHz band may also be a target, particularly for AIS, as it is classified as a mid-band. Mr. Pisut pointed out that AIS might consider all mid-bands, such as 1800MHz, 2100MHz, and even 2300MHz. The NBTC has set the reserve price for the 1800MHz band at four times higher than that of the 2300MHz band.
If AIS were to acquire the 2300MHz band, the company would need to invest in new network equipment, as it has not previously offered services on that frequency. NBTC commissioner AM Thanapant Raicharoen reported that at the board meeting on March 18, management proposed including the auction of the 3500MHz band in the upcoming public hearing alongside the other six spectrums, suggesting a 100MHz bandwidth or the range of 3300-3400MHz be auctioned as part of this process.
