The countdown has begun for the auction for 3G wireless service, a major milestone for the Thai industry. The service is expected to start in the first quarter of 2013. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has set the date for the auction, which will offer nine 5-megahertz slots totaling 45 MHz of bandwidth on 2,1-gigahertz spectrum, to October 16.
The reserve price per spot has been set at 4,5 billion baht and the auction will run to the highest bidder. Each participant will be able to purchase slots for a maximum of 15 MHz.
If successful, the three major mobile operators, Advanced Info Service (AIS), Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move, will launch commercial 3G service in Bangkok and major cities across the country by March 2013. Somprasong Boonyachai, executive chairman of inTouch, the parent company of AIS, argued that the country can no longer afford to delay the auction for 3G given that on the horizon there are the new commitments established by the ASEAN Economic Community which will start in 2015.
Interest in the auction is strong. To date, 15 companies belonging to nine groups have requested the documentation necessary to participate in the auction.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/telecom/313315/countdown-to-3g-bids
