Advanced Wireless Network has the right to be allowed to use the spectrum for the 700MHz telecommunications business.
Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Info Service Plc., said that “On 19 June 2019, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has conducted an allocation of 700MHz spectrum license and announced that AWN has the right to obtain the license to use 700MHz spectrum, lot no. 3 in the frequency range 723 - 733MHz paired with 778 - 788MH (2 x 10MHz bandwidth). The license period is 15 years starting from the date of obtaining the license, with the license period starting on 1 October 2020 or other date determined otherwise by the NBTC. The total spectrum price is 17,584 million baht with equal payments over 10 years.
Mr. Somchai added further that “Considering the 5G technology standard, a combination of spectrum ranging from high band (above 6GHz), mid band (between 2-6GHz), and low band (below 2GHz) will enhance the provision of 5G services as well as the flexibility for network investment. The 700MHz spectrum is a standard low-band frequency for 5G, which instills an outstanding characteristics of wider coverage. Therefore, the acquisition of 700MHz spectrum license marks an important execution in preparation for 5G technology, which is to take place in the next 2-3 years. Meanwhile, the readiness of 700MHz-compatible network equipment, customer devices as well as 5G use cases will become more prevalent during those periods. It is expected that 5G commercial services will involve Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in entertainment and gaming, Internet of Things (IoT), and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service as well as Private Network for Enterprises, all of which are to become potential new revenue streams for telecommunication industry.
In addition, the 700MHz spectrum can be beneficial to deploy into the current network in order to support the expansion of network capacity and coverage in the near term. This shall result in saving of investment to increase mobile network base stations and the enhancement of overall efficiency of network management as well as customer experience, especially for indoor coverage.
With the abovementioned, AIS evaluated that the acquisition of 700MHz spectrum will provide accretive value and strengthen our leadership in both short and long-term. Meanwhile, AIS will collaborate with various organizations including the NBTC on research and development of 5G service and use cases to ensure proper investment plan.”
