NBTC seeks junta's help on 2.6GHz reallocation plan
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THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will propose to the junta that it help ensure the reallocation of parts of the 2.6-gigahertz spectrum for telecom use if MCOT and the Public Relations Department (PRD) need compensation.
After meeting with top executives of MCOT yesterday, NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the commission’s broadcasting committee planned to reclaim a band ranging from 2.5GHz to 2.57GHz for uplinks and 2.62GHz to 2.69GHz for downlinks. The uplink and downlink bands, each totalling 35MHz, would be reclaimed for auction to provide fourth-generation wireless broadband service.
Takorn said MCOT intended to reallocate the bandwidth it holds on this spectrum for this purpose. But if the NBTC wants to use the band from 2.62GHz to 2.26GHz currently held by MCOT, the regulator must also reclaim another band from 2.5GHz to 2.54GHz currently held by the PRD.
To obtain both slots, MCOT should negotiate with its concession contractors Playwork and CAT Telecom, which planned to use this spectrum for commercial services. Takorn added that he would urge the government to negotiate with the PRD on agreeing to the frequency allocation.
“If both MCOT and the PRD agree to the requests, the NBTC will consider their proposals on compensation. Additionally, the NBTC will hire a consultant to evaluate the bandwidth to determine appropriate compensation,” he said.
Under current regulations, the NBTC does not have the right to pay compensation. To solve this problem, it will ask the military’s ruling National Council for Peace and Order to approve the compensation plan.
Takorn said his team would talk with MCOT on further details on May 16.
The ad hoc National Digital Economy Committee has instructed the NBTC to hold auctions for bandwidth on the 900MHz to 2.6GHz spectra. The government will seek ways to compensate state agencies that have to transfer their spectra for reallocation before the end of concession period.
