Information & Communication Technology

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) 

 

- NBTC approves 4G-1800 MHz spectrum bid   

The National Digital Economy Preparation Committee announced at the meeting that the 4G bid is ready to be held. The Board also suggested the bids of both 25 MHz of bandwidth on the 1800 MHz spectrum expired in September 2013 (previously used for 2G network by DCP (ADVANC's subsidiary) and TRUE Move) and 20 MHz of bandwidth on the 900 MHz spectrum expired on September 15, 2015 (previously used for 2G network by ADVANC); bids of 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrums and DTAC's unused 1800 MHz spectrum are planned to be held later. After this, the NBTC will seek an advisor to appraise the spectrums. The bid envelopes will be available on July 17, 2015, immediately after the NCPO's postponement order ends. 

- ADVANC to win 1800 MHz, 900 MHz spectrums    

The progress on the 4G bit would have positive sentiment on the ICT sector today. It has been clear that 4G-1800 MHz spectrum will be auctioned, in line with our projection. ADVANC would benefit most from the bid since it is only mobile operator without a 4G service and it is most likely to win the bid thanks to its strongest financial position among peers (see the table below). We project the starting price of each 12.5 MHz of bandwidth on the 1800 MHz spectrum at B11.6bn (close to the NBTC's initial starting price); ADVANC is expected to win one, while DTAC, TRUE, or JAS would win another. If the 900 MHz spectrum bid is also held as announced, the NBTC would prepare for 1800 MHz bid in August 2015, then 900 MHz bid. ADVANC

is projected to benefit most from the 900 MHz spectrum bid; if it also wins this bid, it would enhance 2G network and expand 3G network coverage.