Following approval by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the regulatory body overseeing telecommunications providers, National Telecoms Public Company Limited (NT) was granted a license to transfer use of 5 MHz of the 700 MHz spectrum to Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS). Recently, NT and AWN signed Telecommunication Equipment Rental on 700 MHz Spectrum Agreement and Nationwide Roaming Agreement. These agreements aim to enhance and expand the 4G/5G capabilities of both NT and AIS.

In this agreement, AWN, on behalf of AIS, will establish a 4G/5G network on the 700 MHz spectrum with a total of 13,500 base stations within 2 years. This network will be used by NT to provide mobile phone services, including both 4G and 5G, to its customers throughout the duration of the license, which expires on March 31, 2036, of NT’s 700 MHz license.

This collaboration between public and government organizations, based on the concept of infrastructure sharing, not only reduces redundant investments in 5G but also maximizes the capacity use of spectrum for the benefit of Thais. It supports the growth of users both now and in the future, while also expanding the 5G network capabilities of Thailand to cover a larger area, aligning with the goals of both organizations.

Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) noted "The collaborative Network Sharing agreement with the strong partner AIS brings numerous benefits. NT can effectively economize on infrastructure investment, ensuring continuous mobile phone service provision in the long run on the 700 MHz spectrum. This partnership also allows for swift implementation, enhancing NT's opportunities in the 5G mobile phone business in alignment with the approved 5G business plan by the Cabinet."

In addition, the network to be established on the 700 MHz spectrum can currently serve over 2 million customers, with the potential to expand to 4 million in the future. This coverage extends to both general consumers and government agencies. Furthermore, NT has an agreement with AIS for seamless cross-network services across all frequency spectrums. This ensures that NT customers can enjoy high-quality 4G/5G mobile phone services across all areas, further strengthening NT's competitive edge in the market. This aligns perfectly with the government's policy direction, which emphasizes infrastructure consolidation to reduce redundancy in the country's communication network investments.

Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive of AISnoted, “We take profound pride in the opportunity to forge a partnership with NT as they collectively embark on a continuous journey to elevate Thailand's digital infrastructure. AIS is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting NT's objectives across every spectrum, be it global-level technology or maintaining impeccable network quality through their team of skilled engineers. Furthermore, AIS is resolute in its mission to deliver top-notch 5G services to customers across all frequency ranges, commencing with the 700 MHz spectrum. This collaboration will yield a total bandwidth of 2x20 MHz, enabling the efficient expansion of 5G coverage to remote provinces and high-rise urban areas, greatly enhancing efficiency. Moreover, by amalgamating previously allocated spectrum across various ranges such as 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 26 GHz, totaling 1460 MHz—the most substantial allocation in Thailand—customers and businesses of all kinds will reap the benefits of comprehensive network coverage. This partnership seamlessly aligns with the country's digital infrastructure, ushering it into the realm of intelligent networking with utmost dedication.

Published 5 October 2023