Satellite auction set to raise B700m for NBTC

Winning bids of at least 700 million baht are expected from the auction of satellite orbital slots this Sunday, says the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

The telecom regulator yesterday approved the participation of three companies in the auction following qualification checks.

The trio comprise Space Tech Innovation, a subsidiary of SET-listed satellite service provider Thaicom; telecom state enterprise National Telecom (NT); and Prompt Technical Services.

The auction offers five slot packages, covering 50.5° East and 51° E with a starting price of 374 million baht (first package); 78.5° E with a starting price of 360 million baht (second package); 119.5° E and 120° E with a starting price of 397 million baht (third package); 126° E with a starting price of 8 million baht (fourth package); and 142° E with a starting price of…