Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has officially announced the timeline and budget for its much-anticipated mobile frequency auction, which will take place over two days on May 17 and 18, 2025. Set to cover six frequency bands with a total value of 120 billion baht (approximately USD 3.6 billion), the auction is part of the government's push to expand telecommunications infrastructure across the nation.
The decision was confirmed during the NBTC board meeting held on February 26, 2025, where the commission proceeded to finalize the operational timeline and budget framework following public consultations. The auction will involve frequencies at 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 26 GHz. These allocations are expected to significantly boost the capabilities of Thailand's telecommunications providers, enhancing service quality and internet speed for consumers.
Details disclosed during the meeting indicated the auction process will begin with the acceptance of application letters for frequency licenses with invitations extended to interested parties from March 15 to April 13, 2025. On April 16, participants will submit their requests to enter the auction, which will then be followed by thorough scrutiny of qualifications from April 17 to 28, 2025.
The NBTC aims to announce the names of qualifying bidders by May 6, 2025, followed by mock auctions intended to prepare participants for the actual bidding event scheduled for May 17-18. These preparations are expected to provide bidders with insights and practice opportunities to navigate the auction process effectively.
With the established budget for the auction pegged at 70 million baht, the expenditures will include costs for the venue, computer systems, consulting services, and public awareness initiatives. Specifically, the breakdown of budget allocation reveals 12 million baht set aside for organizing the auction site and services, 3 million baht for technology and security systems, and 30 million baht dedicated to public relations efforts, including the production of promotional content.
Despite this significant investment and planning, there has been no formal discussion surrounding the initial auction prices for the frequency bands. Analysts speculate the starting bids will likely be based on previous proposals made by the NBTC, which have not yet been officially confirmed.
The auction is poised to attract substantial interest from major telecom players eager to secure frequencies to meet rising consumer demand for higher-speed internet and improved mobile services. Industry experts believe the auction results will play a significant role not only in shaping the competitive dynamics within Thailand's telecom market but also provide the necessary infrastructure to support the country's growing digital economy.
Given the auction's significance, the NBTC plans to share results and certification of the auction outcomes with all stakeholders. The board aims to finalize and announce the results of the bidding process within seven days following the auction.
This strategic auction aligns with the government's broader initiatives to digitize Thailand's economy, promising to leverage telecommunications advancements to propel economic growth and improve overall connectivity for citizens.
Investors and telecom executives alike are closely monitoring the developments leading up to the auction, as the outcomes may reshape the Thai market significantly. The scheduled auction will be key to determining the future capabilities of telecommunications providers and, by extension, the digital transformation of Thailand as it moves toward becoming a fully connected nation.
With increasing global competition and domestic pressures, the auction's success will undoubtedly set the stage for future innovations and investments within the telecommunications sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming event and contribute to maximizing its potential benefits for all parties involved.