Six companies have acquired bidding documents for the 900 MHz spectrum auctions from the national telecom regulator on 22 September, the first day they became available, The Bangkok Post reports. These six interested bidders are Advanced Wireless Network, Total Access Communication subsidiaries DTAC TriNet and DTAC Broadband, True Move subsidiaries True Move H Universal Communication and Hutchison Telecommunications (Thailand), and Jas Mobile Broadband.
These operators also picked up bid documents in August for the 1800 MHz spectrum auctions. The 900-MHz auction documents are available until 21 October. Interested parties can place their bids on 22 October.
900 MHz spectrum auction winners will have to deploy 4G networks to cover 50 percent of Thailand's population within four years, and 80 percent of the population in eight years. The government set the reserve price for a 900 MHz license at THB 12.9 billion.
According to Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the government expects "to finalize the auction date for the 900-MHz licenses by 15 October".
