DTAC must have a 900-MHz band because the second-ranked mobile operator will not have a low-band spectrum after its concession expires in three years.
The company holds 10 MHz of bandwidth on the 850-MHz spectrum under a concession with CAT Telecom due to expire in 2018. DTAC has another 15 MHz on the 2100-MHz spectrum.
DTAC holds the highest amount of bandwidth on the 1800-MHz spectrum with a total of 45 MHz under a concession with CAT, also scheduled to expire in 2018.
True Move also needs to own a lowband spectrum for business stability and sustainability. It now operates 3G service on 15 MHz of bandwidth on the 850-MHz spectrum under a wholesale-resell partnership with CAT, scheduled to end in 2025.
The cost for a 900-MHz licence should not be higher than the network rental cost under its partnership with CAT. In addition, True Move is allowed to use only 80% of CAT's 850-MHz network