Pravit Leestapornvongsa, a member of the NBTC, said the allocation of the band to police would be for five years.

Police plan to launch the service next year in Greater Bangkok before expanding it to other major cities and three southern provinces.

The regulator has reserved 814-824MHz and 859-869MHz for public protection and disaster relief.

According to a police source, a Bt3.5-billion budget has been set aside for the new service this year.

The NBTC’s approval is on condition that other national-security agencies can use the planned 4G public safety network or the integrated communications channel on the band.

Pol General Dejnarong Sutthicharnbancha, spokesman for the National Police, said recently after meeting with the NBTC over the spectrum request that police would use 4G technology and advanced devices to ensure public safety.