Published: January 13, 2026 by: Rungrueng Hounraluek
If the NBTC Auctions the C-Band for 5G Use in 2029, How Should Thailand Prepare?
When Spectrum Becomes a Strategic National Resource
In an era where 5G has become a core infrastructure of the digital economy, radio spectrum is no longer merely a technical resourceit is a strategic national asset that shapes a countrys competitive direction. One key issue closely watched by many stakeholders is the possibility that the NBTC may allocate the C-Band spectrum for 5G use around 2029. Although this has not yet become a final decision, it reflects a direction already taken by many countries worldwide.
This transition does not affect only telecommunications operators. It is deeply connected to satellite systems, broadcasting, and public services that citizens and businesses rely on. The critical question is therefore not simply can C-Band be used for 5G?, but how all stakeholders should prepare so that this structural transformation occurs smoothly and sustainably.
What Is C-Band and Why Is It Suitable for 5G?
In satellite communications, C-Band typically refers to the Downlink range of 3.74.2 GHz and the Uplink range of 5.9256.425 GHz. In the context of 5G telecommunications, many countries have adopted nearby frequenciesespecially 3.34.2 GHzas mid-band 5G because they offer the best balance between:
It is therefore no surprise that C-Band is widely regarded as the sweet spot of 5Gpositioned between low-band frequencies with wide coverage but limited speed, and very high-band frequencies with extremely high speed but limited coverage.
Why Might the NBTC Auction C-Band in 2029?
The primary motivation is not auction revenue alone, but the preparation of high-quality spectrum for the long-term digital economy. This includes supporting domestic smartphone services, expanding smart cities and Industry 4.0, accommodating massive IoT deployments, and enabling digital government and telemedicine services.
Allocating C-Band for 5G is therefore part of a broader spectrum re-farming process already underway in many countries, aimed at ensuring that spectrum resources are used efficiently and aligned with modern technological realities.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Impact on Satellite and Broadcasting Systems
The coexistence of 5G and satellite services in the C-Band presents challenges such as signal interference, migration costs, and the resilience of backup communication networks. As a result, many countries have adopted measures including guard bands, power limitations near satellite earth stations, and financial support for migration to Ku-Band, Ka-Band, or IP-based distribution.
If Thailand moves forward with C-Band allocation for 5G in 2029, the government will need to implement an official transition plan covering coexistence measures, compensation schemes, and support for satellite TV usersparticularly in remote areas directly affected by the transition.
How Should Hotels, Resorts, Hospitals, Condos, and Apartments Adapt?
Post-2029 Outlook
In the long term, C-Band will no longer belong exclusively to either satellite communications or 5G. Instead, it will become a shared spectrum space supporting multiple communication technologiesfrom mobile networks and nationwide IoT to resilient backup communication systems. The key challenge will be balanced spectrum management, ensuring that both terrestrial and space-based systems can coexist without compromising service quality.
Conclusion
If the NBTC auctions the C-Band for 5G use in 2029, this will not merely be a technological change, but a fundamental restructuring of Thailands national communications system. Success will depend on clear government policy, public awareness, and adaptive strategies by service-sector businesses.
If all stakeholders move in the same direction, this transition will not become a crisis. Instead, it can serve as an opportunity to elevate service quality and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Thailands digital infrastructure.
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