1.8GHz

Thai operators AIS and dtac separately announced plans to participate in a forthcoming auction of 1800MHz spectrum, but forced a cancellation of a 900MHz sale by opting out of the process.

Thailand’s much anticipated and long-delayed 4G spectrum sale is back on the table. But with just one bidder interested in a single 900MHz block, the government’s hopes of a replay of the $6.

Thailand’s telecoms regulator set the reserve prices of four spectrum blocks in the 850MHz and 1. 8GHz band at a similar level to the country’s last auction in 2015, though analysts warned the prices are high compared with international levels.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister approved a proposal to auction off the 850MHz band before holding an auction for the 1. 8GHz spectrum that was unsold in the 4G sale in 2014.

Four Australian operators have spent AUD543. 5 million ($385 million) in an auction for 1. 8GHz spectrum in 12 regions, with the two largest players paying nearly AUD400 million.

Hong Kong’s Communications Authority (CA) has opened a public consultation on the reassignment and pricing of 200MHz of spectrum in the 900MHz and 1. 8GHz bands, which expire between November 2020 and September 2021.

Malaysia’s proposed spectrum reallocation will intensify competition as the country’s two smallest operators will gain access to more capex-efficient spectrum, which will help them to challenge the two market leaders – Celcom and Maxis, Fitch Ratings said.