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Thai mobile operator picks up Jas Mobile’s forfeited 900-MHz spectrum for THB76 billion.
Sole bidder AIS on Thursday won Thailand’s 4G re-auction, picking up 900-MHz spectrum for the reserve price of 75.65 billion baht (€1.93 billion).
With no other participants, the operator only had to match the winning bid made by Jas Mobile when the frequencies were first auctioned in December 2015. Jas Mobile later forfeited the spectrum after missing March’s payment deadline.
"We believe the 900-MHz frequency will yield benefits to users as well as contribute to the long-term growth of Thailand’s digital infrastructure," said Somchai Lertsutiwong, CEO of AIS, in a statement.
"Together with the 2100-MHz and 1800-MHz frequencies that the company already has in hand, the AIS network has become stronger with higher quality, resulting in the ultimate benefits for our customers," he said.
"At the same time, investors can rest assured that this investment was made based on rational decision-making that took into account the overall growth in popularity of digital services among Thai people," he added.
According to a Bangkok Post report, Thailand’s telecom watchdog, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), will issue the 4G licence within two days of receiving the first payment, which is due within 90 days.
If like previous 900-MHz winner Jas Mobile, AIS fails to pay up, it will lose its deposit of THB3.78 billion and will have to pay damages of at least THB11.35 billion.
