File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has issued a warning about a potential shortage in mobile spectrum by the end of the year, which could negatively affect internet speeds. The commission has anticipated that by 2025, demand will reach 615 megahertz (MHz), yet without additional auctions, the country will struggle with slower internet speeds and unstable mobile signals. Currently, Thailand has 620 MHz available for mobile services, but the renewal of expiring licenses is crucial to maintain this capacity.

 

Historically, if expiring licenses were not re-auctioned, Thailand's available spectrum would fall to just 500 MHz, significantly under the projected demand and leading to a shortfall of over 100 MHz. This gap could result in reduced network quality, including unstable voice calls, slower internet speeds, and disruptions in video streaming and online gaming, especially during high-usage periods. The NBTC's records show a surge in internet usage, from 25.45 GB per user in 2022 to a projected 27.20 GB this year, along with an increase in spectrum demand from 539 MHz to an estimated 615 MHz.

 

Looking forward, the NBTC plans to efficiently manage the spectrum and intends to auction additional spectrum bands as they become available. This proactive approach aims to satisfy the rising national demand and maintain internet stability. The commission's strategy focuses on continuing the management and allocation of spectrum to mitigate potential issues.

 

Key Takeaways

• NBTC warns of a spectrum shortage affecting speeds by year-end.
• Spectrum demand is projected to reach 615 MHz by 2025.
• Plans are in place to auction expiring spectrum bands to meet demand.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-22

 

 

Does this mean I can expect even longer delays than right now at grocery checkout, while people struggle to pay with their phone apps?

Always going behind the facts. If they know the problem now, they could find solutions. Thailand wants to be the digital hub, but as soon there is a problem, they can't solve it.

The article makes no sense.

 

Hertz (Hz) is a measure of frequency, not of volume available or bandwidth, or demand as the BP writes.  Making more frequencies available would increase this but Thailands current mobile frequencies are between 850 and 2,500 MHz.

 

615 MHz may have been used for some broadband internet trials in remote areas but is primarily reserved for Digital TV services.

 

The usage stats are also meaningless.  27.20 GB in 2025,  but that's certainly not an annual usage for a typical user so what is it?

 

The Bangkok Post refers to the NBTC as it's source of information so it would be interesting to find out exactly what was said and by whom.

27 minutes ago, treetops said:

The usage stats are also meaningless.  27.20 GB in 2025,  but that's certainly not an annual usage for a typical user so what is it?

 

Most likely average monthly usage per user.

 

The average Thai consumer spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day browsing the internet on a mobile device which is the most out of any country in the world.

 

https://www.digitalbase.co.th/blog/a-close-look-at-thailands-use-of-mobile-devices/#

 

When taking into account Internet usage across all devices, Thais averaged 9 hours per day compared to the world average of 6 hours 43 minutes.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/30382735

12 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Most likely average monthly usage per user.

 

That would have been my closest guess too, but I've just looked at my usage and in the last 3 weeks I've used about 40 GB and I wouldn't describe myself as a heavy user so the number seems quite low.  Nevertheless you're probably right and my assumptions  are more guesswork than anything else.

On 9/23/2025 at 2:18 AM, NoDisplayName said:

The average Thai consumer spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day browsing the internet on a mobile device which is the most out of any country in the world.

Probably quite correct. Almost every Thai has a mobile phone while not many have a PC.