On April 1, 2025, Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) held its second public hearing to gather further input on its draft announcement outlining the criteria and methods for allocating spectrum across key mobile frequency bands. The proposed announcement outlines licensing plans for the 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 26 GHz bands—each of which plays a unique role in delivering international mobile telecommunications services and advancing the country’s high-speed digital infrastructure.
Goals Behind Thailand’s Spectrum Planning
This second hearing follows an earlier round of public feedback that ran from January 20 to February 20, 2025. In response to the depth of public interest and the technical complexity of the proposal, the NBTC approved a second round to ensure all relevant viewpoints were heard and considered.
The NBTC emphasized the growing importance of telecommunications in supporting both Thailand’s economy and its broader social development. The commission’s approach aims to:
- Meet increasing demand for reliable high-speed communications
- Support evolving technology needs across industries and communities
- Balance commercial growth with social inclusion and environmental considerations
As part of this mission, NBTC aims to design auction mechanisms that promote healthy competition, efficient spectrum use, and opportunities for new market entrants—all while safeguarding consumer interests.
Topics Under Review
During the public hearing, stakeholders were invited to weigh in on several core aspects of the draft framework:
- Frequency Bands for Auction: Feedback was requested on the proposed frequency groups, their technical relevance, and coverage capabilities.
- Auction Design and Competition: Opinions were sought on how to structure the auction to encourage fair competition, including grouping strategies for spectrum lots.
- Valuation and Reserve Price Calculations: The NBTC outlined considerations for establishing base prices, including economic indicators, spectrum demand, and market trends.
- Payment Terms and Network Rollout Requirements: Stakeholders discussed fair and practical conditions for payments and timelines for deploying telecommunications infrastructure, especially for new service providers.
- Social and Consumer Protections: Proposed terms included special provisions for vulnerable groups such as elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and those holding state welfare cards.
Transparency and Public Involvement
The hearing is part of NBTC’s broader commitment to fairness and transparency in spectrum policy. Under Thailand’s broadcasting and telecommunications law, public participation is required during the policy drafting process to ensure decisions reflect both expert and public input.
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Quick Country Facts
Thailand
Certification Body: National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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