Why M1 decided not to participate in the 2.5GHz spectrum auction

The telco thinks it would be costly.

Whilst the other three telcos took part in the bid to secure an allocation in the 2.5GHz spectrum, M1 said it would not need the bandwidth due to three things.

According to OCBC Investment Research, M1 would not need this spectrum as it will use small cell/WiFi HetNet deployment to deliver superior data experience.

Instead of securing a part of the bandwidth, it will instead re-farm part of 3G spectrum to use for 4G.

And lastly, M1 said it will be costly and complex to use 2.5GHz unpaired spectrum on existing paired spectrum networks and infrastructure.
 

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