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KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA
DTAC is asking CAT Telecom to separate its request to offer third-generation (3G) mobile services from that of True Move in order to save time and effort.
DTAC said that its smaller rival had now gained an edge in 3G services. CAT owns the concessions for both operators and had submitted a single request on behalf of both companies to allow them to import 3G equipment.
DTAC now wants the CAT board to write two letters instead of one to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) so that DTAC's request could be processed faster.
CAT has twice asked the NTC to allow DTAC and True Move to import HSPA equipment to upgrade their networks to offer 3G services. However both requests were rejected by NTC, which cited a lack of details of the re-arrangement of frequencies for True Move and potential legal hurdles. The NTC told CAT to re-submit details on the part of True Move again.
DTAC merely asked to import equipment to upgrade its network to offer the service, while True Move's request could face legal hurdles relating to whether it would breach concession terms, said DTAC chief commercial officer Thana Thienarchariya.
True Move was granted concession to offer mobile service on the 1800 Megahertz band, but its request to upgrade service would run on 850 MHz, which was more complicated in terms of legal commitment. However DTAC was granted a concession to offer service on both the 850 and 1800 MHz bandwidths. This did not breach its concession because its upgrade still runs on the 850 MHz spectrum.
Mr Thana said that currently first-ranked Advanced Info Service has gone ahead of DTAC on 3G services, and further delay would be a disadvantage to CAT also, as it could earn more revenue from DTAC and True Move.
CAT was seeking permission for DTAC to install HSPA equipment at 1,200 base stations, with True Move requesting 650 stations.
AIS, which holds a concession from CAT's state sibling, TOT Plc, has already installed HSPA equipment in Chiang Mai, where it is offering a limited 3G service commercially.
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