Advanced Info Service (AIS), through its subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), has decisively fortified its network capabilities, securing a significant portion of the 2100 MHz spectrum in a recent auction held by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The move underscores AIS’s commitment to maintaining its position as Thailand’s leading mobile network operator with the most extensive spectrum portfolio, ensuring a superior user experience and paving the way for future technological advancements.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – In a move poised to reshape Thailand’s competitive telecommunications landscape, Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd. (AWN), a key subsidiary of Advanced Info Service (AIS), has emerged victorious in the highly anticipated 2100 MHz spectrum auction. The company successfully bid for three blocks of spectrum, totaling 30 MHz of bandwidth, for a final price of THB 14.85 billion.
This strategic acquisition is a critical step in AIS’s ongoing mission to develop and future-proof Thailand’s digital infrastructure. The newly acquired spectrum will be instrumental in enhancing the capacity and quality of its existing 4G and 5G networks, directly addressing the ever-growing demand for data from its millions of customers across the nation.
Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the strategic value and long-term vision behind the investment.
“We are delighted to have won this auction, securing the desired spectrum that is immediately usable at a reasonable price for long-term investment,” Mr. Somchai stated. “The acquisition of the 2100 MHz license will enable AIS to efficiently accommodate the increasing usage of our customers. It ensures that AIS’s 5G network, already recognized for its extensive coverage, will now deliver an even more exceptional experience to our users in terms of quality, speed, and the capacity to support future technologies. This success reaffirms our mission to propel Thailand forward with a robust and sustainable digital infrastructure.”
The Strategic Value of the 2100 MHz Mid-Band
The 2100 MHz frequency is classified as a “Mid-Band” spectrum, a critical component for modern mobile networks. Often considered the “goldilocks” band for 5G, Mid-Band frequencies offer a balanced combination of wide-area coverage and high-capacity data throughput.
Unlike Low-Band spectrum (e.g., 700 MHz), which excels at covering vast geographical areas but offers lower speeds, and High-Band or millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum (e.g., 26 GHz), which provides ultra-fast speeds over very short distances, Mid-Band hits the sweet spot. It is perfectly suited for deploying robust 5G services in urban and suburban areas where the majority of data consumption occurs.
This acquisition will allow AIS to deploy a technique known as “carrier aggregation,” where multiple frequency bands are combined to increase peak speeds and network capacity. By integrating this new 30 MHz of 2100 MHz spectrum with its existing extensive holdings in other bands, AIS can significantly boost performance, especially in high-traffic locations like city centers, shopping malls, and event venues. This translates directly into a smoother experience for consumers, with faster downloads, uninterrupted high-definition video streaming, and lower latency for applications like online gaming and video conferencing.
Navigating a Competitive Market Landscape
The timing of this investment is particularly significant. The Thai telecommunications market has recently undergone a major consolidation, resulting in a highly competitive environment. By proactively securing additional prime spectrum, AIS is not just expanding its capacity but also sending a clear signal of its intent to maintain its market leadership. This move strengthens its network advantage, a key differentiator for attracting and retaining high-value customers in a market driven by quality of service.
This auction win reinforces AIS’s status as the operator with the most comprehensive spectrum portfolio in Thailand, covering Low, Mid, and High bands. This diverse range of frequencies is the foundation of what the company calls its “intelligent network,” designed to deliver tailored and optimized connectivity for a wide array of use cases—from individual mobile users to large-scale enterprise solutions and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Fueling Thailand’s Digital Economy
AIS’s investment extends beyond corporate strategy; it is a direct contribution to Thailand’s national digital agenda. The government’s “Thailand 4.0” initiative aims to transform the country into a value-based, innovation-driven economy, with robust digital infrastructure as its cornerstone. A powerful and reliable 5G network is essential for enabling the technologies that will power this transformation, including smart cities, advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0), remote healthcare, and a thriving digital start-up ecosystem.
The company has affirmed its plans for the immediate deployment of the newly acquired spectrum. This rapid utilization will focus on three key areas:
- Enhancing Service Quality: Immediately improving network performance and capacity for existing customers.
- Expanding Network Coverage: Strategically densifying the 5G network to ensure seamless, high-speed connectivity in more locations.
- Driving Innovation: Leveraging the enhanced network capabilities to develop and deploy new digital services and IoT solutions.
This commitment ensures that the benefits of the investment will be realized quickly, providing equitable access to cutting-edge digital technology for people across Thailand and serving as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
The next formal step in the process involves a meeting of the NBTC board to officially certify the auction results, after which the license will be formally granted to AWN. With this victory, AIS has solidified its foundation, ensuring its network is not only ready for today’s demands but is also prepared to lead Thailand into the next era of digital innovation.
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