NBTC urges TOT, DTAC to return unused frequencies for 4G wireless services

BANGKOK, 15 February 2012 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission of Thailand (NBTC) is set to discuss with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the telephone frequency allocation after discovering unused frequencies owned by a few major providers.

The NBTC is reportedly planning to strip the ownership of 2.3 gigahertz cell phone frequencies from both the TOT Plc Ltd and DTAC as they do not use them while it will also consider offering 4G services on these frequencies.

NBTC Deputy Chairman Colonel Sethapong Malisuwan said the objective of his meeting with the ICT Ministry is to better utilize these frequencies for the benefit of Thai people and the country.

According to the Colonel, TOT Plc Ltd currently owns 64 megahertz frequencies of 2.3 gigahertz while DTAC is only using 50 out of the 1,800 megahertz frequencies it is holding. The NBTC expects to be able to call back 40 megahertz from the TOT so that it will open bids for 2 licenses to operate 4G wireless services on those frequencies.

The Colonel added that if TOT Plc Ltd was willing to return the frequencies, the NBTC would grant the company a new license to operate the 24 remaining frequencies for commercial purpose, which he claimed would be an advantage to the company’s business expansion. He further explained now that telephone booths have become unpopular, TOT Plc Ltd should return its unused frequencies to the NBTC.