Spectrum bidding prices exceed 140 billion baht

BANGKOK: The combined bidding prices of the two 900 megahertz spectrum licenses on the fourth day of the auction have gone up to 144,546 million baht which is regarded as the third highest auction prices in the world.

The 144,546 million baht bidding prices for the two licenses were recorded at the 184th round of the bidding. The first lot was priced at 71,146 million baht while the second lot was priced at 73,400 million baht.

Fierce bidding is still under way and there are no signs yet that any of the four bidders will throw the white blanket.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has expressed his appreciation to all parties concerned for making the auction an extraordinary success.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Uttama Saowanayon said revenue from the auction would go to the state coffers first before it was to be allocated for use for public interests.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak earlier said the revenue would be used to fund agricultural development.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/spectrum-bidding-prices-exceed-140-billion-baht

-- Thai PBS 2015-12-18

Throw in the white blanket???

Is it million or billion?

Surely they will have to pass on the cost to the customer.

most commentators thought these licences would go for around the same or slightly less than the 2 that went in the last round in November.(attractive spectrum but a shorter concession period 15 rather than 18 years) We are now way ahead of those levels and the surprise has been how determined JAS seems to have been to get a licence, they have stayed in the bidding longer than expected. JAS don't currently have a mobile concession and seem determined to get one, the other 3 (True,DTAC and AIS) would like to keep them out!

"Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak earlier said the revenue would be used to fund agricultural development."

Wow, that's so progressive! Exactly what Thailand needs in the year 2016.