Thailand’s new National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has started working on a plan to award 3G licences in the 2100 MHz band to alternative mobile network operators, according to reports.
State-owned telcos CAT and TOT are…
Thailand’s new National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has started working on a plan to award 3G licences in the 2100 MHz band to alternative mobile network operators, according to reports.
State-owned telcos CAT and TOT are currently the only operators holding 3G concessions. Private operators pay about 25% to 30% of their revenue to them to be able to offer 3G services. DTAC, True, and DPC currently have a concession with CAT, while AIS has a concession with TOT.
In September last year, the Supreme Administrative Court had upheld the suspension of a 3G licence auction, following a request from CAT and TOT.
They both claimed that the NTC did not have the authority to award licences and that it should be replaced by the NBTC before the auction can start. CAT and TOT also argued that the 3G auction could impact their revenues.
The new 11-member NBTC recently received royal endorsement.
Setthapong Malisuwan, vice-chairman and head of the telecoms committee of the NBTC, was quoted saying that the 3G auction could start by the middle of next year.
The NBTC could not be reached for comment before the press deadline.
