Podcast: auctions expert Peter Cramton proposes world-first solution for Thailand

In our latest podcast, Professor Cramton discusses how auctions came to be adopted around the world and why enthusiasm for them has waned in recent years.

He thinks auctions can continue to bring huge social benefits and proposes using them in Thailand to allow MVNOs to buy wholesale capacity. It’s a model that works well in the US electricity market, he argues.

In Thailand, he is calling for the auctions to be conducted by an independent NGO overseen by the communications regulator, NBTC. This type of specialisation has been used in US electricity markets but would be a world first in the communications sector.

Professor Cramton also points out the transformative power of LEONGSO, or non-geostationary satellite orbit… satellite networks where lasers can replace terrestrial backhaul and calls for changes in the regulation of the satellite market.

Listen to the new podcast below. You can also find it on all major podcast platforms.

Professor Cramton spoke to us on 17 February and referred to the work of his company Forward Market Design LLC. An AI-generated transcript of the podcast is available here.