NT Navigates a Major Spectrum Migration Challenge
National Telecom (NT) has successfully completed a significant and complex operational transition, having migrated the vast majority of its two million subscribers to its 700MHz band. This large-scale move was a necessity following the expiration of its licenses for three other critical spectrums. The company’s president, Col Sanpachai Huvanandana, confirmed that the intricate process was executed smoothly, and the new network is well-equipped to serve a much larger user base, with the capacity to handle over four million users. Despite this success, a small but technically complex group of subscribers—specifically those using fixed mobile broadband and machine-to-machine services—remains to be migrated. This final phase of the transition is not only challenging from a technical standpoint but also proves to be a costly endeavor, highlighting the ongoing effort required to fully consolidate its customer base onto the new spectrum.
Strategic Alliances as a Response to Reduced Spectrum
With the now-expired spectrum bands having been successfully auctioned off to major competitors like AIS and True, National Telecom faces the significant challenge of operating with just one primary band. To secure its future and remain competitive in a fiercely contested market, the company is actively pursuing new and diversified revenue streams. Furthermore, a crucial element of its new strategy involves exploring strategic partnerships with a range of domestic and foreign firms, including its direct competitors. This collaborative approach is designed to reinforce areas where NT has notable limitations, such as extending service coverage to a wider geographical area. The company is also systematically studying the feasibility of acquiring additional spectrum bands, a move that would align with a cabinet resolution issued in 2021 and be a long-term solution to its current spectrum constraints.
Cloud Services as the New Engine for Financial Growth
In a bold move to improve its financial standing, National Telecom has set an aggressive growth target for its burgeoning cloud services business. This pivot comes after the company recently reported losses in both its mobile and fixed broadband services, signaling a clear shift in its business priorities. NT aims to dramatically increase its cloud-related revenue from its current annual figure of 4 billion baht to an ambitious 10 billion baht by the year 2027. The company plans to achieve this goal by leveraging its own NT Cloud brand and by taking on a pivotal role in operating the Government Data Center and Cloud Service for various state units. By capitalizing on the rising demand for secure and reliable cloud solutions, NT is not only seeking to reverse its financial fortunes but also to establish itself as a dominant player in a high-growth, technology-driven sector, ensuring its relevance in the digital future.
