Thai telecoms regulator NBTC has tentatively allocated spectrum for unlicensed IoT services as part of efforts to foster development of the M2M and IoT ecosystems.
The regulator has identified spectrum in the 920-MHz to 925-MHz range for use by unlicensed IoT services, the Bangkok Post reported.
Currently this spectrum is widely used in the retail sector for RFID technology, the report states.
Companies have been calling on the NBTC to clarify the regulatory and spectrum framework for IoT. In response, the regulator last year established a working panel to clarify the definition and regulatory regime that applies to IoT services. This panel is expected to complete its task in May.
Currently the regulator believes that IoT service providers are likely to be classified as ISPs and may be required to receive an internet service license, because IoT applications will be based on internet networks.
Some operators including mobile market leader AIS are meanwhile moving to deploy NB-IoT technology under the NBTC's licensing system.
The regulator projects that IoT connected devices will reach 20 billion worldwide by 2020 and Thai operators are seeking to get in on the action.