Regulator gears up for 5G

The national telecom regulator plans to allocate four additional spectrum bands for the development of fifth-generation (5G) wireless broadband service.

The 700-, 850-, 1500- and part of the 1800-megahertz spectra (now operated by Total Access Communication (DTAC) under a 2G mobile concession) will be allocated through auctions by 2020.

“We need to prepare plans for future mobile spectrum management in order to serve growing demand for mobile data communication,” said Saneh Saiwong, executive director of the Spectrum Management Bureau, under the umbrella of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Mobile operators need more and more bandwidth in both low and high spectrum bands for their long-term frequency management and to meet customer demand.

Even though the 1800-MHz band is the most compatible with 4G service, other bands such as 700-, 800-, 850-, 2300-, 2600and 3500-MHz can support a variety of 4G networks and devices.

Mr Saneh said mobile operators holding various spectrum ranges could have greater ecosystem services.

He said the regulator planned to auction the first two spectrum bands by 2018: 45 MHz on the 1800-MHz spectrum, currently used by DTAC under a 2G concession due to expire in 2018; and 10 MHz on the 850MHz spectrum, also used by DTAC under a concession with CAT Telecom.

Another two spectrum bands are planned to be auctioned by 2020: 92 MHz of bandwidth on the 700-MHz spectrum, now used for digital and analogue TV services; and 91 MHz on the 1500-MHz spectrum, presently used by TOT Plc for signal transmission and Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production as well as Chevron Offshore (Thailand).

The analogue TV system switch-off is scheduled within the next few years.

The NBTC also plans to auction more spectrum bands in the future, including 15 MHz on the 1800-MHz spectrum, now used by the mobile arm of True Corporation to provide 3G service under a partnership agreement with CAT Telecom, Mr Saneh said. The agreement is due to end in 2025.

Meanwhile, 64 MHz on the 2300-MHz spectrum, used by TOT until 2025, and 190 MHz on the 2600-MHz spectrum, operated by MCOT Plc, will be up for auction as well.

Mr Saneh said the regulator was in negotiations with MCOT, asking the state-run digital TV network provider and broadcaster to return part of the 2600-MHz spectrum to the NBTC for auction in 2020.

Also in the pipeline is an allocation of 20 MHz on the 450-MHz spectrum, now used for radio communication.