When will JAS Mobile Launch 4G Service?

Having won a 900 MHz license Jasmine Mobile (JAS) must now build a mobile network and launch their service. Everyone is asking “When will JAS launch 4G service?”

Of course, JAS wants to launch as quickly as possible. The Finance department is especially keen to begin collecting revenue so that loans can be serviced.  With a THB70 Billion license fee, interest alone is likely around 6 Million/day.  JAS aspires to attract 2 Million subscribers in the 1st year of service. Assuming ARPU of 200 and Churn of 10%, that represents revenue of around 11 Million/day. Put those 2 together and every day Launch is delayed or accelerated costs or benefits JAS 17 Million!  17 Million here and there and pretty soon you’re talking real money.  So there will be tremendous pressure to get the network into service as quickly as possible. Continue reading “When will JAS Mobile Launch 4G Service?”

Thai 1800 MHz Spectrum Auction News Roundup

The long-awaited, continually challenged, frequently changed and oft-delayed auction of 1800 MHz spectrum in Thailand was finally held Wednesday, November 11.  Both AIS and True Move won 15 MHz  licenses.  Total receipts for the Thai government were almost 81 billion Thai Baht (USD 2.25 billion.)

Read coverage of the story at these links:

Update 24 November.  More sources with stories about the Thai auctions.

900 MHz licenses are expected to be auctioned next month now that a possible legal challenge from CAT has been thwarted.  Bangkok Post reports on the deal.  The same for companies, Dtac, True Move, Ais and Jasmine International have signed up to participate in the 900 MHz auctions for 2 licenses of 10 MHz.

Nobody Likes Surprises

As you try to manage your career and get ahead in your world, simple rules can be helpful. I take inspiration from the American TV drama “NCIS” which features “Gibbs’ Rules” as a running theme throughout the show. It occurs to me that there may be many comparable rules in business and in life. Here is one that which is frequently illustrated in business, usually inadvertently. Continue reading “Nobody Likes Surprises”

Thai 4G Auction Uncertainty

I’ve been analyzing the announced bidders for the Thai 4G spectrum auctions. Maybe you’ve already read “Thai 4G Auction Bid Strategies – Jasmine”. When evaluating the positions of the 3 incumbent mobile operators the situation is especially complex. Much of this complexity is due to uncertainty about the auction rules and legal conditions. This uncertainty falls into 3 main categories. Continue reading “Thai 4G Auction Uncertainty”

Thai 4G Auctions – Opting Out as a Bidding Strategy

Six companies have picked up bidding documents for the Thai 4G spectrum auctions: Advanced Wireless Network (AIS); DTAC TriNet and DTAC Broadband; True Move H Universal Communication and Hutchison Telecommunications (Thailand); and Jas Mobile Broadband.  With the endless changes and back and forth (we’ve already written about the uncertainty being created) the bidders must factor into their strategy the unreliability of the regulator. Continue reading “Thai 4G Auctions – Opting Out as a Bidding Strategy”