Telecom spectrum in few private hands sparks national concern

Bangkok Post

11-07-2025

As digital technology becomes the backbone of Thailand's economy and society, the nation's telecom spectrum—deemed a strategic public asset under Section 60 of the Constitution—is increasingly concentrated in the hands of just a few private companies. This shift, driven by recent mergers and spectrum auctions, has raised alarms over consumer rights, service quality, and national security.
Despite widespread opposition from consumer organisations, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) approved the auction of key frequency bands—850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz—with a 5:1:1 vote. The result: only two operators now control the majority of Thailand's telecom spectrum, a development experts warn could severely impact the country's 110 million mobile users.
Research from the Consumer Council of Thailand reveals that the telecom market has become dangerously concentrated. Following recent mergers, competition has dwindled, leading to higher prices, poorer service, and fewer choices for consumers. Prepaid users—who make up 70–80% of the market and are mostly low-income—have been hit hardest, with prices rising by up to 16% and formerly affordable unlimited packages disappearing.
Service quality has also declined. Around 30% of users report signal issues, with the figure rising to 50% in the Northeast. Contacting customer service has become more difficult, often requiring long waits through AI systems. Meanwhile, promotional offers and innovative products have sharply decreased, eroding consumer benefits.
Beyond consumer impact, experts warn of long-term risks to national security. Dr. Chaiyot Jirabowornkul, an independent telecom scholar, notes that 99% of Thailand's mobile infrastructure is now privately owned. This raises concerns over data privacy and the state's ability to enforce public-interest policies, such as expanding coverage to remote areas or ensuring fair pricing for low-income groups.
The lack of competition also threatens the development of Thailand's digital economy. Without rivals, telecom firms have little incentive to invest or innovate, potentially stalling progress and increasing costs for SMEs reliant on digital infrastructure.
Regulatory failure has compounded the issue. The NBTC has been slow to implement key oversight measures, such as cost consultancy and price monitoring. Promised support for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) has yet to materialise, and existing anti-monopoly regulations remain unenforced.
Experts argue that the problem lies not just in personnel but in outdated systems. The NBTC's analogue-era operations are ill-suited to the digital landscape it oversees. Proposed reforms include diversifying the NBTC's selection process to include consumer and tech experts, adopting real-time monitoring via IoT, and strengthening parliamentary and public oversight.
To restore competition, analysts suggest empowering the state-owned National Telecom (NT) as a viable third player, mandating government agencies to use NT's network, and easing MVNO access to infrastructure. Legal reforms are also needed, with models like the UK's 2024 Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) offering a blueprint for modern regulation and enforcement.
Thailand now stands at a crossroads. Will it allow its telecom spectrum—a public asset—to remain in the hands of a few, or will it act to protect consumer rights and national interests? As one expert put it, 'The only beneficiaries of these mergers are the company owners. The nation gains nothing. The people bear the cost.'