Access Alert: Thailand Proposes New Regulation For ESIM Licensing

The Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) recently announced a new draft regulation: ‘Criteria for Authorisation to Use Frequency Bands for Land, Aeronautical, and Maritime Earth Stations in FSS Services’.

The draft notification proposes to detail the process for operating Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), including Land ESIMs (on land vehicles), Aeronautical ESIMs (A-ESIMs for aircraft), and Maritime ESIMs (M-ESIMs for ships and offshore platforms) within fixed satellite service (FSS) bands. This is a crucial step towards facilitating the deployment of high-speed satellite internet for mobile users across various sectors, which is a significant pro for the industry.

Good news for providers and citizens alike, contributions to this draft regulation must be submitted no later than 6 June 2025.

The main objective of this proposed regulation is to allow the use of specific radio frequencies for ESIMs without requiring individual frequency allocation processes for each deployment. This change simplifies and expedites the deployment of ESIM services and defines dedicated frequency bands for geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellites (GSO and NGSO) across all ESIM types, largely aligned with international best practices and ITU recommendations.

However, some concerns have been raised by stakeholders about potential interference with existing terrestrial stations, particularly in the 18-20 GHz ranges. This represents a significant challenge that will require careful technical consideration and robust mitigation strategies to enable the efficient use of spectrum.

Another essential element lacking from the proposal is a clear approach to allowing ESIM operations through a simple notification process for the possession, use, or establishment of ESIMs. However, the current draft is only the first of two planned regulatory documents; the draft technical standards for equipment are yet to be presented.

The NBTC’s initiative is a powerful reminder of the critical importance for regulators globally to update their frameworks continually. In an era of rapid technological advancement, particularly in satellite communications, static regulations can hinder innovation and impede economic growth. Effective spectrum management requires preventing harmful interference while supporting the widespread adoption of advanced communication solutions.

Access Partnership helps clients navigate the regulatory complexities of satellite telecommunications through expert analysis and strategic guidance. We work with policymakers and businesses to shape policy and regulatory frameworks, helping clients understand how to adapt to them. To find out more about how our Regulatory Strategy & Market Access experts can help you, please contact Carolina Daza at [email protected].