(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/erhui1979)
Thailand’s mobile operators are racing to strengthen their 4G services, resulting in an intense spectrum auction that lasted more than 24 hours and forced regulators to extend the process into a second day. The contest centers on valuable frequency blocks that could reshape competitive positions among the country’s carriers.
Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand’s largest mobile operator with some 40.1 million customers, has faced complaints about slow mobile data speeds despite many subscribers having devices capable of higher performance. Those limitations stem from AIS lacking access to the specific spectrum needed to roll out its own full 4G services nationwide.
Rivals Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Corp have already gained an advantage in deploying 4G networks. To hold on to market share while waiting for spectrum, AIS temporarily increased the speed available through its Wi‑Fi offerings. At the same time, the operator entered the government auction in hopes of acquiring frequency assets that would enable broader 4G coverage and faster mobile data for its customers.
The auction, initially scheduled for November 11 at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) headquarters in Bangkok, offered two 15 MHz blocks in the 1800 MHz band. Four bidders participated: AIS, Total Access Communication (DTAC), True Corp, and Jasmine International, a wired broadband provider seeking to expand into mobile services.
To maintain fairness and confidentiality, each bidder was placed in a separate room. Bidders had up to 15 minutes between rounds to submit their next offer, and were allowed three passes where they could skip a bid without being eliminated. Organizers expected the process to finish in a few hours, but competition was far fiercer than anticipated.
By 8 p.m. the same day—ten hours after the auction began—the price had climbed roughly 70% above the reserve, reaching 26.2 billion baht (about $744 million). Despite the aggressive pace, bidding continued into the following day. After more than 24 hours of rounds, the NBTC paused the auction to give participants and staff a break and rescheduled further rounds for a later time.
The outcome of the auction will determine how quickly operators can expand and enhance 4G services across Thailand. Winning spectrum in the 1800 MHz band will enable carriers to improve data speeds and coverage, affecting consumer experience and competitive dynamics in the mobile market.
Are you surprised by the high bid levels in Thailand’s 4G spectrum auction? Share your thoughts in the comments.