4G services in Thailand expected by 2016

BANGKOK, March 30 (TNA) - The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) says that the fourth-generation mobile phone services (4G) in Thailand are expected to be launched by the first quarter of next year. NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasith told journalists on Monday that four licences for the use of 1800 and 900-megahertz frequencies for 4G services can be put up for auction by November-December 2015 and the 4G services are, thus, likely to be introduced in the country within the first three months of next year. Takorn stated that terms for the 1800MHz auction will be available from August 28-September 28 and its auction has been set on November 11, while terms for the 900MHz contest will be distributed from September 28- October 28 and its auction has been set on December 15. According to the NBTC chief, the starting prices have been set at 16.57 billion baht for a 1800MHz licence and 16.09 billion baht for a 900MHz licence. The NBTC chief noted that NBTC has not yet decided whether to change the prices, but clients should enjoy cheaper services due to competition. (TNA)