AIS, True avoid auction

Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) and True Move informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) they would not participate in the 900-megahertz spectrum licence auction organised by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for Oct 20.

AIS said after careful consideration of the auction terms, management is confident forgoing bidding would not affect its competitive advantage as it has the most bandwidth in the industry, sufficient for future growth and upcoming 5G technology.

With roaming bandwidth from TOT, AIS has total spectrum of 120MHz (60MHzx2). Its 1800MHz licence yields the widest bandwidth at 40MHz (20MHzx2), enabling over 40 million.

AIS subscribers to benefit from data service with the highest efficiency according to technical standards. AIS said its current bandwidth aligns with the company’s strategic plan to prepare for 5G technology.

True Move also confirmed it believes it has sufficient bandwidth to meet customer demand over the next two years and will not join the auction.

Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC) said it welcomes the flexibility provided by the NBTC to extend the submission timeline for 900MHz spectrum bid applications to Oct 16, in the event there are no bid applications by the original deadline of Oct 9.

DTAC plans to use the full amount of time to continue its feasibility study. The study will be submitted to its board of directors for approval, as per DTAC’s internal process and governance procedures.

DTAC said it is confident all the necessary steps will be completed for the company to make a final decision by Oct 16, 2018.