Decision on frequency auction results delayed by NBTC board due to inadequate documentation.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has delayed the approval of the results from the June 29 frequency auction, citing the late and incomplete submission of necessary documents as the primary reason. The documents required detailed legal and factual scrutiny to ensure transparency and fairness in the administrative decision-making process.
The auction, which started at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at 10:48 a.m., involved four frequency bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz. However, no participants were present for the 850 MHz band auction.
For the 1500 MHz band, True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd. (TUC) emerged as the winning bidder, securing a total of 1,350 MHz of frequency. The total license fee to be paid by TUC, excluding VAT, amounts to 26,423,960,336 Baht. In the 2100 MHz band, Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd. (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), was the victor, maintaining its frequency at 1,460 MHz with a license fee of 14,850,000,010 Baht (excluding VAT). For the 2300 MHz band, TUC also secured the winning bid, with a final price of 21,770,000,168 Baht (excluding VAT).
The total auction price was 41,273,960,346 Baht (excluding VAT), with the total frequency held by all parties after the auction standing at 1,380 MHz.
The NBTC board emphasised the importance of acting transparently, fairly, and with due diligence, ensuring decisions are based on full information and impartial review to maintain legitimacy and avoid potential legal issues. The late submission of documents, which arrived at 4:30 p.m. on July 1, significantly hindered the NBTC board's ability to conduct a careful and diligent review before the July 6 deadline for approval following the auction.
The board rescheduled the approval decision for July 6, the last day permitted under the regulatory framework for finalizing the auction results. The decision will ensure compliance with legal standards, preserving the integrity and fairness of the process.
- The approval of the results from the June 29 frequency auction, initially scheduled for July 6, has been delayed due to the late submission of necessary documents.
- To maintain the transparency and fairness in the administrative decision-making process, the documents require detailed legal and factual scrutiny, especially in the context of the business and finance industry where political and tourism developments also play a crucial role.
- Despite the delay, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) emphasized the importance of a careful and diligent review to preserve the legitimacy and avoid potential legal issues, impacting not only the telecommunications industry but also the broader business landscape.
