Thailand’s DTAC on Friday assured the market that despite failing to win 1800-MHz spectrum in the country’s recently-concluded auction, it is providing 4G services in that band via its concession with state-owned CAT Telecom.
The mobile operator confirmed that it took part in this week’s auction via its dtac TriNet subsidiary, but did not win either of the two available 1800-MHz licences.
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) announced on Thursday that the auction had drawn to a close after two days and 86 rounds of bidding. The process raised 80.78 billion baht (€2.1 billion) and the licences went to AIS and True Corp.
"However, the company has right to use its existing 1800-MHz spectrum to provide 4G service[s] under [a] concession agreement with CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd," DTAC said in a statement.
"Therefore, the company has been using such spectrum to provide 4G service[s] under the concession to consumers," it added.
The Thai press provided further details. According to The Nation, DTAC plans to expand its 4G coverage under that concession and said it aims to reach 2.5 million 4G subscribers by the end of the year.
It is not solely reliant on that 1800-MHz spectrum to reach its target. It also has spectrum in the 850 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands, and insists it has access to sufficient frequencies to provide voice and data services using 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, the paper reported.
However, DTAC is also one of the prequalified bidders for Thailand’s 900-MHz spectrum auction, which is scheduled to begin on 15 December. Again, there will be two licences up for grabs.
