Bt30mn set aside for 3G auction
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has set aside a Bt30 million budget for the upcoming 3G auction on October 16-18, which requires greater security in all areas.
NBTC is now cleared from a legal hurdle to go ahead with the third-generation cellular service on the 2.1gigahertz spectrum. Last year's auction was called off in a last minute due to contests from CAT Telecom and TOT.
Takorn Tantasit, secretary general of the NBTC, said that for this time, Power Auction Co Ltd - the auction advisor - suggested enhancement in security in all areas.
NBTC has requested at least 30 police officers to keep peace at the headquarter from October 1 until the auction is completed. They would also guard the headquarter in case of possible protests against the auction.
On other fronts, NBTC also increased the number of security guards by 10 and prepared a utility container. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority has been approached for a power backup vehicle. Water pumps are ready should flood hit the headquarter.
Takorn said that the NBTC has spent about Bt21 million for the auction, including the Bt14.1 million for the advisor. "We intend to keep the total expenditure within Bt30 million," he said.
