Bangkok--24 Sep--NBTC
The NBTC has made a first official announcement of 2.1 GHz spectrum auction countdown ceremony in order to officially announce the auction process regarding terms and conditions to the public. On this occasion, in supplementing the legal measure, the bidders and telecoms sectors attending the ceremony will cooperate with the NBTC and ensure the success of the upcoming auction by signing the Non-Collusion Declaration. Although it imposes no legal sanction, it will however provoke the sense of common social responsibility.
Mr.Pijapol Jatanasaro, Deputy Secretary General of the NBTC, stated that the 2.1 GHz spectrum auction is a ‘national agenda’ and gains positive public response. The NBTC is planning to conduct the auction on October, 16th, 2012 which will be the first time in the history for Thailand.
The benefit of the 3G technology utilization will enable Thai citizens to better quality of services, faster access to information, more advanced services and greater network capacity. Moreover, Thailand will benefit from access to real time worldwide information for learning (Tele-Education) and from prompt information for medical aid especially in rural areas (Tele-Health). It also prevents consumer’s confusion from choosing mobile telecoms equipments because most are consistent with 3G technology standard. Most importantly, the 2.1 GHz spectrum auction is the first and new shift from the former to the “new” regime. This means, it ends concession contract with the Build-Operate-Transfer (so-called ‘BOT’ obligation) and the telecoms market will be liberalized.
Mr.Pijapol further explained that, the NBTC Act 2010 (B.E. 2553) requires licensing system for spectrum utilization by means of auction approach. To implement the Act, the NBTC issued the Notification regarding Spectrum Licensing for International Mobile Telecommunications Services in the Frequency Band of 2.1 GHz. According to the Notification, the model of spectrum packaging is flexible packaging. The availability of 45 MHz will be divided into 5 MHz (totally 9 lots of 2 x 5 MHz) at a reserve price of 4.5 billion baht, and set the spectrum cap at 15 MHz each operator. The 5-MHz spilt could provide an opportunity for new entrants to bid and this will enhance more competitive environment.
Regarding the preparation of the 2.1 GHz spectrum auction, the NBTC carefully planned, reviewed the draft Notification with knowledge-based, transparent and due process. The NBTC also set up the spectrum auction subcommittee, consulted with the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University as well as collected information from Thai and international best practices. With best effort, the NBTC aims at optimum benefit of the country and Thai citizens by maximizing consumer benefits which are reasonable price, better quality of service, and creating positive environment by encouraging free and fair competition in the telecoms industry.
On this countdown occasion, Mr.Pijapol lastly urged the public to support, cooperate with the NBTC for this national agenda and to share the same views that, if the auction is successfully done, it will help Thai citizens have better quality of communication services and wider access to information. It will also further develop both telecoms and other relevant industries, as well as be incentive for investment.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate affair & communication, Office of the National Broadcasting
and Telecommunications Commission. (NBTC headquarter)
Tel: 0-2271-0151 extension 315-317 Fax: 0-2290-5241