Private Thai cellco Advanced Info Service (AIS) has said it will not pay Bt73bn (US$2.4bn) to Thai state-owned telco TOT for failing to pay the agreed price on a mobile phone concession.
A few years ago, the former Thai government changed its concession…
Private Thai cellco Advanced Info Service (AIS) has said it will not pay Bt73bn (US$2.4bn) to Thai state-owned telco TOT for failing to pay the agreed price on a mobile phone concession.
A few years ago, the former Thai government changed its concession regime in order to reduce costs for consumers. But in 2007, the Council of State reportedly ruled that those changes failed to comply with regulations, as they had not been approved by coordinating committees and the Cabinet.
In a statement released yesterday, AIS said: “”The amendments are still valid and binding upon both parties, and in the past the company has been completely and correctly complying with the terms and conditions of the amendments. Thus, the company is not obligated to make any additional payment for revenue sharing as demanded by TOT.”
According to local reports, the state-owned company is seeking another US$4.3bn from several other mobile operators, also for alleged revenue losses. AIS has reportedly been told to comply with TOT’s demands by 15 February, or the state-owned telco will take legal action.
