Bangkok: The State Enterprise Labor Union (SERU) has submitted a formal request to the Chairman of the NBTC, urging the suspension of the scheduled auction of telecommunications frequencies on June 29. The union argues that the auction process disproportionately favors two dominant telecommunications companies.
According to Thai News Agency, the SERU, alongside the State Enterprise Labor Union of the National Telecommunications Public Company Limited and led by Mr. Thanakun Jit-Issara, President of the Santi Prachadham Club, mobilized around 100 supporters to voice their concerns. The group contends that the auction of the 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz frequency bands lacks competitive bidding, as only True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd. (True) and Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd. (AIS) are expected to participate. This scenario, they argue, could lead to collusion, undermining fairness and public interest over the next 15 years.
The union criticizes the NBTC's auction criteria, stating that they inadequately protect state interests and instead benefit the two telecom giants, whose market dominance and monopoly could be worth at least 90 billion baht. They have proposed alternative uses for the frequency bands, such as public service activities, national security, or other non-profit endeavors. The SERU suggests that the NBTC exercise its authority to manage telecommunication waves directly, allowing NT Company to utilize these frequencies to provide affordable access to vulnerable groups, underprivileged individuals, or residents in remote areas, with a proposed minimum fee of 50 baht per month.