NBTC finalizes terms of 700-MHz auction
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Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has finalized the proposed terms of next month’s 700-MHz auction, and has briefed the prime minister on the progress with the sale.
The regulator plans to commence the sale of three slots of 700-MHz spectrum on June 19,.
The three slots will each have a base price of 17.584 billion baht ($555.05 billion) for 10MHz of bandwidth, which can be payable in up to 10 installments.
Last month the NBTC announced relief measures for the three owners of 900-MHz licenses by agreeing to split the license fees into 10 installments instead of the current four. But a condition of taking advantage of the larger number of installments will be purchasing one of the 700-MHz slots.
According to the report, the three 900-MHz license holders – AIS, TrueMove and dtac – have expressed an interest in taking advantage of the relief measures, but are waiting on more terms of the 700-MHz allocation before making a decision.
But True Move has previously indicated it does not plan to take part in the 700-MHz auction, although it has been pushing for an extension on its 900-MHz license payments.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to compensate six digital TV broadcasters which have agreed to return their licenses to the regulator.
A public hearing on the draft terms of the 700-MHz allocation will be held next week.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the total base price for all the 700-MHz spectrum slots being offered?
What is the total base price for all the 700-MHz spectrum slots being offered?
Each of the three 700-MHz spectrum slots has a base price of 17.584 billion baht. Therefore, the total base price for all three slots would be three times this amount.
Q.Which companies are likely to bid for the new 700-MHz slots?
Which companies are likely to bid for the new 700-MHz slots?
The three 900-MHz license holders, AIS, TrueMove, and dtac, have expressed interest in the relief measures tied to purchasing a 700-MHz slot. However, True Move previously indicated it does not plan to participate.
Q.What is the specific condition for 900-MHz license holders to benefit from the extended payment plan?
What is the specific condition for 900-MHz license holders to benefit from the extended payment plan?
To take advantage of the larger number of installments for their 900-MHz license fees, a condition is that the license holders must purchase one of the new 700-MHz spectrum slots.
Q.How will the money raised from the 700-MHz auction be spent?
How will the money raised from the 700-MHz auction be spent?
The proceeds generated from the sale of the 700-MHz spectrum will be allocated to compensate six digital TV broadcasters. These broadcasters have agreed to return their licenses to the regulator.