14 DAY TRIAL // TOT PCL, state-owned phone operator in Thailand, stated on Monday that it had plans to roll out a third-generation network in the country, which is expected to become commercially available before the end of the ongoing year. Thailand's government announced a while ago that it planned to sell 3G auctions during the first half of this year.
The country's telecom regulator is also reported to have approved of the company's plans to spend around $816 million for network upgrades on its 1900 MHz spectrum, which would allow the carrier to offer 3G mobile services to its users. The enhancements will include 500 base stations in the capital city, Bangkok, as well as the surrounding areas. Chairman Teravuti Boonyasopon announced that the details on the project's financial resources would be settled in April.
At the same time, the company is also reported to be working on settling a deal with its rival operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), for leasing its existing 3G network, which was deployed last year with limited coverage, but which covers the capital city, only that it uses the 900Mhz spectrum.
Thai telecom operators seem to be in a competition for rolling out new technologies, 3G included, which would allow them to increase their revenues in a market that seems somehow saturated. Another operator in the country, DTAC, has also made steps in deploying a 3G network, and is reported to have placed an order with Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei for supply of the infrastructure.
Kaneungjit Suriyathumrongkul, Qualcomm Thailand's country manager, stated last October that the country would need at least three 3G networks to ensure that there was competition on the market. He also noted that MVNOs could be an option for Thailand, but only in case the network proves good, while also expressing his concerns regarding a possible shared national network.