Thai regulator NBTC may allow state-owned operator TOT to keep some of its 900-MHz and 2300-MHz spectrum for use in providing public services.
After meeting with TOT boards, ICT minister Pornchai Rujiprapa has asserted that TOT will need some spectrum to provide services such as open Wi-Fi for the public benefit, the Bangkok Post said.
He has suggested that the regulator allocate spectrum in the two bands for public services to help support the government's policy to pave the way for a digital economy.
TOT currently holds 64 MHz of 2300-MHz spectrum and 17.5 MHz of 900-MHz spectrum as part of the concession arrangements between the state and private mobile operators.
But with these concessions expiring, under the current Frequency Allocation Act, the spectrum will need to be returned to the NBTC to be auctioned to the industry.
But TOT has long been pushing to be allowed to hold on to part of this spectrum to allow it to offer 4G services. This could be one factor behind the junta's decision to delay the spectrum auctions originally scheduled for this year.
The junta also recently ordered the NBTC to redraw the Frequency Allocation Act and devise a way to optimize spectrum use.