Rosy outlook for post-bid telecom sector

Bigger spectrum cost savings for AIS, True

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

A telecom analyst has a positive outlook for the telecom sector following the mobile spectrum auction on June 29 as the results could lead to bigger spectrum cost savings for both Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation.

Their successful acquisitions made at the auction have resulted in them holding a higher share of holdings in the mid-band, according to Pisut Ngamvijitvong, senior equity research analyst of Kasikorn Securities (KS).

AIS subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) and True subsidiary True Move H Universal Communication (TUC) were the only two qualified bidders in the auction of four spectrum bands, hosted by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

AWN grabbed 30MHz bandwidth of 2100MHz by tabling a bid of 14.8 billion baht, while TUC bagged 20MHz of 1500MHz and 70 MHz of 2300MHz with a combined offer of 26.4 billion baht.

Neither bid for the 850MHz band.

They are required to pay the first instalment of the spectrum upfront (50% of the winning prices) by July 29. The licences will be effective as of Aug 4.

Mr Pisut said total winning prices at the auction of over 41 billion baht was less than the 50-billion-baht estimate put forward by KS.