TOT recently consulted the NBTC on the matter. Article 46 obliges a telecom licence holder to operate the spectrum on its own.

According to the TOT-AIS partnership model, TOT will expand its 2.1GHz network by using its own telecom devices and equipment, while also renting some telecom equipment from AIS and its subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network for a fee. AWN will be responsible for the maintenance of this equipment.

TOT informed the NBTC that it would use its own 2.1GHz band with this equipment in such a way that the state agency can still have full control of spectrum management via its network operation centre and can access the call-detail records.

TOT will draw up the frequency planning and network roll-out plan, and manage the network itself.

TOT will wholesale 80 per cent of its 2.1GHz network capacity to AIS and AWN to provide the service and will deploy the rest to serve its own 3G subscribers. The state agency is expected to earn revenue of Bt3.9 billion per year from this wholesale-resale deal.

TOT informed the NBTC that it would follow the guidelines the commission gave in 2013 to CAT and True on their partnership to provide 3G-850MHz service. The guidelines say that the telecom licence holder must be able to use its own spectrum with its own network or networks of others and can fully control its spectrum. TOT said it would include this clause in the 2.1GHz partnership contracts to be signed with AIS.

AIS and TOT signed a memorandum of understanding last month under which AIS would start a non-commercial trial service on the TOT’s 2.1GHz.

AIS is seeking more spectrum bandwidth to serve its 40 million subscribers. Currently it has licences to 15MHz of the 1,800MHz spectrum and 15MHz on 2.1GHz.

The company has said it is keen to take part in the upcoming auction for a 900MHz licence, but whether it does so is up to its board of directors.