Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced plans to auction the 3500-MHz frequency band for telecom services in 2027. While the auction is part of the regulator’s vision for Thailand’s future telecom landscape and the development of 5G private networks, it has drawn criticism from broadcasters and stakeholders who are concerned about its impact on satellite TV services.
The 3500-MHz frequency band, currently used by satellite TV stations to air programs, is a critical piece of Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure. The NBTC’s decision to reallocate it for telecom services, particularly to bolster 5G private networks, aligns with the standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). According to the NBTC, this reallocation would place Thailand in line with global standards for telecommunications development.
However, this decision has been met with opposition from the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (ADTEB). The association has urged the NBTC to reconsider its plan to auction the 3500-3800MHz range for telecom services, arguing that the frequency is essential for satellite TV stations and their viewers.
The primary concern from ADTEB is that reallocating the 3500-MHz frequency band will disrupt satellite TV services, potentially affecting millions of viewers across the country. It is estimated that 60% of the Thai population currently watches digital TV via satellite dishes, which rely on the C-band spectrum—part of which is included in the 3500-MHz range.
ADTEB members, representing a variety of digital TV operators, have expressed their desire to extend their existing licences beyond their 2029 expiration date. This extension would allow them to continue competing in the increasingly competitive digital TV market, without the disruption caused by the frequency reallocation.
“Many satellite TV stations rely on this spectrum to air their programs. Moving these services to another spectrum could impose significant costs on the operators and viewers alike,” said an ADTEB spokesperson.
Somphop Purivigraipong, the NBTC commissioner in charge of telecom business, remains resolute about the auction of the 3500-MHz band, emphasizing its critical role in Thailand’s telecom evolution, especially the development of 5G networks. According to Somphop, the reallocation and auction of this band are in line with global telecommunications trends and necessary for the country’s digital future.
“The 3500-MHz band offers the most potential for global 5G adoption,” Somphop stated. “It is crucial for the provision of telecom services, especially for the development of 5G private networks. Vertical industries and enterprises in Thailand will benefit greatly from the expanded capacity and higher speeds offered by this spectrum.”
In addition to the 3500-MHz band, other frequency bands such as 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz are also slated for auction. Some of these bands are currently being used by private telecom operators under existing licenses, while others are unused and will be reallocated. The auctions for the 850-MHz, 2100-MHz, and 2300-MHz bands are scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, ahead of their expiration in 2025. These bands are currently operated by National Telecom (NT), a state telecom enterprise.
NBTC’s plan involves splitting the 3500-MHz band into two parts. The first segment, covering 3300-3700 MHz, is slated for auction in 2027, to be used for telecom services, including 5G network expansion. The second part, covering 3700-4200 MHz, will be auctioned in 2029.
In preparation for this auction, the NBTC is studying methods to facilitate the migration of TV viewers who currently use TV receive-only (TVRO) dishes, which operate in the C-band spectrum. One proposed solution involves moving these viewers to KU-band satellites by adjusting the low-noise block downconverter (LNB) and other equipment used with satellite dishes. An LNB is a device that receives satellite signals and converts them into a format that can be viewed on a television set.
However, Somphop acknowledged that this migration would come at a cost, estimating that the average household would need to spend around 1,500 baht to adjust their LNB devices and related equipment. He added that this would affect 6-10 million households that currently rely on C-band satellite dishes to watch digital TV.
The NBTC’s plan to migrate satellite TV services from the C-band spectrum to the KU-band spectrum has raised concerns about the financial burden on households. While the cost of adjusting LNB devices is estimated at 1,500 baht per household, this may be a significant expense for many families. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential disruption of service during the transition period.
ADTEB has highlighted the social impact of the proposed migration, noting that digital TV is a primary source of entertainment and information for millions of Thais, especially in rural areas. For many households, satellite TV offers access to a wide range of programming, including news, education, and entertainment. Any disruption to these services could have a ripple effect on society, particularly for low-income families who may struggle to afford the necessary equipment upgrades.
The NBTC finds itself in a challenging position as it seeks to balance the competing demands of the telecom and broadcasting sectors. On the one hand, the reallocation of the 3500-MHz band for telecom services is seen as essential for the growth of 5G networks and the development of Thailand’s digital economy. On the other hand, the move threatens to disrupt the operations of satellite TV stations and affect millions of viewers who rely on satellite services for their daily entertainment.
The NBTC has also emphasized its support for terrestrial digital TV network operators, providing financial assistance amounting to around 2 billion baht annually. However, this support may not be enough to alleviate the concerns of satellite TV operators and viewers who will be directly affected by the frequency reallocation.
The global shift toward 5G networks is a driving force behind the NBTC’s decision to auction the 3500-MHz band. Across the world, countries are racing to develop and deploy 5G infrastructure, which promises faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity for devices and industries. In Thailand, the government has identified 5G as a key component of its strategy to boost the digital economy and enhance industrial competitiveness.
The 3500-MHz band is considered one of the most valuable frequency ranges for 5G deployment, as it offers a balance between coverage and capacity. By allocating this band for telecom services, Thailand hopes to attract investment in 5G infrastructure and encourage the development of innovative applications and services that rely on the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G networks.
One of the key goals of the NBTC is to promote the use of 5G private networks by vertical industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities. These industries stand to benefit significantly from the enhanced capabilities of 5G networks, which can support real-time data transmission, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The NBTC’s plan to auction the 3500-MHz band represents a pivotal moment for Thailand’s telecommunications and broadcasting industries. While the potential benefits of 5G are clear, the transition from C-band satellite services to KU-band satellite services will require careful planning and coordination to minimize disruption to viewers and operators.
For now, the debate between the NBTC and ADTEB highlights the complex interplay between technological progress and the need to maintain continuity in essential services like television broadcasting. As Thailand moves forward with its plans for 5G, the outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for both the telecom and broadcasting sectors.
The NBTC will need to strike a delicate balance between fostering the growth of 5G networks and ensuring that satellite TV services, which remain a vital part of the media landscape in Thailand, can continue to operate without undue disruption. As the 2027 auction date approaches, all eyes will be on how the regulator navigates these competing interests to shape the future of Thailand’s airwaves.
