Thai telco Jasmine International is talking to three foreign firms about creating a joint venture to bid in Thailand’s upcoming 4G auction, according to reports citing CEO Pete Bodharamik.
They include a mobile phone company in Japan and South Korea,…
Thai telco Jasmine International is talking to three foreign firms about creating a joint venture to bid in Thailand’s upcoming 4G auction, according to reports citing CEO Pete Bodharamik.
They include a mobile phone company in Japan and South Korea, with a stake of 25-40% in the venture up for grabs.
Bodharamik was also cited dismissing rumours that he was planning to sell his 25.84% stake in the group.
The company, which raised about US$1.13bn in February after selling two-thirds of its infrastructure fund in an IPO, did not respond to requests for comment.
Thailand’s deputy prime minister Pridiyathorn Devakul was recently cited confirming that its delayed 4G auction will kick off this year, preferably in August.
The country was set to award spectrum in the 1800MHz band last August, but this was put off after the military council now ruling it came to power in May.
However, a government initiative to include 2600MHz frequencies in the sale is being resisted by telecoms regulator NBTC, reported the Bangkok Post citing a source.
The Nation has also reported recently that the government intends to act as a mediator in a dispute between the NBTC and certain state firms looking to transfer frequencies to the auction.
The 4G auction delay has added pressure on local telcos, which are also dealing with falling voice revenues.
