NBTC decides to scrap Aug 28 auction

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has cancelled its planned auction of four satellite orbital slot packages slated for Aug 28, saying the participation of only one contender in the auction cannot create fair competition.

TC Space Connect, wholly owned by SET-listed satellite service provider Thaicom, was the sole contender in the auction.

The NBTC board also instructed its management to return the bid guarantee placed by TC Space Connect and bid envelope fees to all the parties that purchased them.

Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of the NBTC, said the board assigned management to adjust the principles and methods of the auction to create better conditions.

The move, he said, should ensure fair…