NBTC plans to allocate 380 MHz more mobile spectrum
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Thailand’s telecoms regulator NBTC plans to release 380 MHz of additional spectrum to the industry to set the stage for 5G and accommodate burgeoning demand for mobile data and IoT services.
The regulator is aiming to auction 180 MHz of 2600-MHz spectrum this year as part of this process, citing NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith.
According to the plan, this will be followed by auctions of 90 MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of 850-MHz spectrum by March 2018, then 90 MHz of 700-MHz spectrum by 2020.
While to date up to 420 MHz of bandwidth has been allocated for mobile use, Takorn said this will not be sufficient to keep pace with rapid developments in network technology and online service innovation, let alone the eventual deployment of 5G and the new use cases it will bring.
The planned auctions will bring the total bandwidth allocated for telecoms use up to 800 MHz, significantly higher than the 700 MHz recommended by the ITU, the report notes.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason the NBTC is releasing more spectrum?
What is the primary reason the NBTC is releasing more spectrum?
The NBTC is releasing additional spectrum to prepare for 5G technology and to meet the increasing demand for mobile data and IoT services in Thailand. Current allocations are not considered sufficient for future developments.
Q.When are the various spectrum bands expected to be auctioned?
When are the various spectrum bands expected to be auctioned?
The NBTC plans to auction 180 MHz of 2600-MHz spectrum this year. This will be followed by 90 MHz of 1800-MHz and 20 MHz of 850-MHz spectrum by March 2018, and 90 MHz of 700-MHz spectrum by 2020.
Q.How much total spectrum will be allocated for telecoms use after these auctions?
How much total spectrum will be allocated for telecoms use after these auctions?
After the planned auctions, the total bandwidth allocated for telecoms use will increase to 800 MHz. This is significantly higher than the 700 MHz recommended by the ITU.
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