Thailand: NBTC 5.8 GHz WLAN Standards Updated
Thailand Updates NBTC 5.8 GHz WLAN Standards: ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 Now Accepted for Sub-band 4 (5.725–5.850 GHz)
Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has confirmed the list of test standards it accepts for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) equipment operating in the 5.8 GHz band (5.725–5.850 GHz). In addition to the long-established ETSI EN 302 502 and FCC Part 15.247/15.407 routes, the NBTC now accepts ETSI EN 301 893 as an additional test standard for this band subject to a strict version requirement: only test reports issued under ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 or later will be accepted.
The clarification gives manufacturers greater flexibility to reuse European test evidence for Thai market access, while ensuring that submitted reports actually cover the 5.8 GHz frequency range.
Regulatory Background: WLAN Certification in Thailand
WLAN equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands in Thailand is regulated under the NBTC technical standard NBTC TS 1035-2562, which replaced the earlier NTC TS 1012-2551 (Radio Local Area Network – RLAN) standard. When TS 1035-2562 was introduced, the NBTC set the following acceptance rules for the 5.725–5.850 GHz band:
ETSI EN 302 502 was added as an accepted standard for the first time;
FCC Part 15.247 and FCC Part 15.407 remained accepted;
ETSI EN 300 440, which had previously been tolerated on a temporary basis, was no longer accepted.
ETSI EN 301 893 was not part of the 5.8 GHz acceptance list because, until recently, its scope stopped at 5.725 GHz. Versions up to V2.1.1 covered only the 5.150–5.350 GHz and 5.470–5.725 GHz ranges, so they could not demonstrate compliance for equipment transmitting in the 5.8 GHz band.
What Changed: Updated NBTC 5.8 GHz WLAN Standards
According to the NBTC's latest confirmation, the standards accepted for WLAN equipment in the 5.725–5.850 GHz band are:
Accepted standard | Status for 5.8 GHz WLAN | Version condition |
ETSI EN 302 502 | Accepted | Latest applicable version |
FCC Part 15.247 | Accepted | — |
FCC Part 15.407 | Accepted | — |
ETSI EN 301 893 | Accepted (additional) | V2.2.1 or later only |
ETSI EN 300 440 | Not accepted | — |
Why ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 Is the Minimum Version
ETSI published EN 301 893 V2.2.1 in November 2024, and the standard was cited in the Official Journal of the European Union in May 2025. It is the first edition to include provisions for Sub-band 4 (5.725–5.850 GHz), set out in Annex B of the standard. Key additions in V2.2.1 include:
New test requirements and parameters for Sub-band 4 (5.725–5.850 GHz);
Straddle channels spanning Sub-bands 3 and 4 (centred at 5690, 5710 and 5720 MHz);
Emission mask requirements for Wi-Fi 7 multi-resource unit (MRU) and preamble puncturing;
Updated adaptivity parameters, including energy detection threshold;
Adjacent channel selectivity requirements;
A "country determination capability" requirement for Sub-band 4, reflecting that operation in this band depends on national frequency conditions.
Because earlier versions contain no test parameters for 5.725–5.850 GHz, a test report under V2.1.1 or older cannot demonstrate compliance in the 5.8 GHz band. The NBTC's version requirement closes that gap.
What This Means for Manufacturers
More flexible test routes. Manufacturers that already test to European requirements can now use an ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 report, including its Annex B (Sub-band 4) results, to support NBTC certification for 5.8 GHz WLAN operation reducing the need for a separate EN 302 502 or FCC test campaign.
Version control is critical. Reports issued under ETSI EN 301 893 V2.1.1 or earlier will not be accepted for the 5.8 GHz band. Submitting an outdated report is likely to lead to rejection and delays in the approval process.
Annex B must be tested. A V2.2.1 report that only covers Sub-bands 1–3 does not demonstrate 5.8 GHz compliance. Confirm that your laboratory has tested the Sub-band 4 provisions in Annex B for every 5.8 GHz channel and bandwidth the product supports.
FCC and EN 302 502 routes remain valid. Manufacturers focused on the US market, or using fixed wireless access equipment tested to EN 302 502, can continue to use those reports.
Wi-Fi 7 products benefit most. Since V2.2.1 incorporates MRU and puncturing test cases, it is particularly suitable for Wi-Fi 7 devices seeking Thai approval in the 5 GHz range.
6 GHz rules are unchanged. This update applies only to the 5.8 GHz band. For the 5.925–6.425 GHz band (Wi-Fi 6E/7), NBTC TS 1039-2566 still requires RF test reports based on FCC Part 15.407, and ETSI reports are not accepted.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Impact | Level |
Accepted RF test standards (5.725–5.850 GHz) | ETSI EN 301 893 added alongside EN 302 502 and FCC Part 15.247/15.407 | Moderate – positive |
ETSI EN 301 893 test reports | Only V2.2.1 or later accepted for 5.8 GHz | High |
New WLAN applications with 5.8 GHz | Must use an accepted standard; EN 301 893 reports must include Annex B (Sub-band 4) | High |
EU-tested products | Can reuse V2.2.1 reports, reducing duplicate testing | Moderate – positive |
Products tested only to FCC or EN 302 502 | No change | Low |
Previously approved products | Not addressed in the NBTC confirmation; confirm before modifications or renewals | Low / to be confirmed |
6 GHz WLAN (5.925–6.425 GHz) | No change — FCC Part 15.407 only | None |
Timeline and Required Actions
Regulatory Timeline
Date | Milestone |
2019 (B.E. 2562) | NBTC TS 1035-2562 replaces NTC TS 1012-2551; EN 302 502 and FCC Part 15.247/15.407 accepted for 5.725–5.850 GHz; EN 300 440 no longer accepted |
November 2024 | ETSI publishes EN 301 893 V2.2.1, adding Sub-band 4 (5.725–5.850 GHz) in Annex B |
May 2025 | EN 301 893 V2.2.1 cited in the Official Journal of the European Union |
2026 | NBTC confirms ETSI EN 301 893 V2.2.1 or later as an additional accepted standard for 5.8 GHz WLAN (insert notice reference and effective date) |
Ongoing | New NBTC WLAN applications covering 5.8 GHz must use an accepted standard and version |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
Audit your test reports. Review existing RF reports for products that operate in 5.725–5.850 GHz and identify which standard and version each report uses.
Identify outdated ETSI reports. Flag any EN 301 893 report under V2.1.1 or earlier; these cannot support 5.8 GHz approval in Thailand.
Confirm Annex B coverage. For V2.2.1 reports, verify that Sub-band 4 channels, bandwidths and straddle channels are fully tested.
Select the most efficient route. Choose between EN 301 893 V2.2.1, EN 302 502 or FCC Part 15.247/15.407 based on your target markets and existing test evidence.
Brief your test laboratory. Ensure the ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab issuing the report tests to V2.2.1 or later when the report will support a Thai application.
Update certification planning. Reflect the new acceptance rules in project timelines for upcoming Thai WLAN applications and product modifications.
Monitor NBTC announcements. Track the NBTC standards portal for the formal notice, effective date and any further changes to TS 1035-2562.
Conclusion
The NBTC's confirmation of accepted standards for 5.8 GHz WLAN equipment brings Thailand's requirements in line with the latest European test methodology while keeping the established FCC and EN 302 502 routes available. For manufacturers, the key takeaway is simple: ETSI EN 301 893 can now support Thai 5.8 GHz approval, but only in version V2.2.1 or later, with full Sub-band 4 test coverage. Reviewing test reports now will help avoid rejected applications and keep product launches in Thailand on schedule.
