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Thai mobile operator’s 2G spectrum on verge of being reassigned to True for 4G services.
Thai mobile operator AIS said on Monday it is doing everything possible to delay the shutdown of its 2G network, which is reportedly due to take place at midnight tonight.
The 900-MHz spectrum that AIS has been using for its 2G services was re-auctioned for 4G in late 2015, and was picked up by True Corp-owned True Move H Universal Communication (TUC).
The Nation reported on Monday that Thailand’s telco regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is due to grant True’s licence on Monday, giving AIS until midnight to close down its 2G service.
AIS has already migrated 7.6 million of its 2G customers to rival Total Access Communication (DTAC) under a roaming agreement; however, it said on Monday that 400,000 customers are still on its 900-MHz network.
According to The Nation, True offered to grant AIS access to some of its 900-MHz spectrum free of charge for three months but AIS has yet to respond.
Instead, it would appear based on a statement issued in Thai by AIS on Monday that it has requested permission to transfer customers to a separate 5 MHz chunk of 900-MHz spectrum that currently sits unused.
It is difficult to ascertain from the statement, but AIS is likely referring to the other 900-MHz licence sold off in December’s 4G auction, which was won by Jas Mobile Broadband.
Doubts have arisen over Jas parent Jasmine International’s ability to pay for the licence.
The first of four instalments is due on 21 March, but according to a Bangkok Post report on Monday, Jasmine has not yet secured financing for the first payment nor bank guarantees for the subsequent three. If Jasmine can’t pay, it could forfeit its 900-MHz licence.
In the meantime, AIS has been working hard to make its remaining 2G customers aware of the need to switch, even offering discounted upgrades to 3G and 4G devices.
"We are firmly committed to working hard to take care of customers," AIS said, in its statement.
