DTAC TriNet Network (DTN), a subsidiary of Total Access Communication (DTAC), in collaboration with Line Thailand, has launched a digital mobile service, but telecom observers doubt it will qualify for the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) licences the telecom regulator has yet to award.
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said he has learned of the new mobile service, but the NBTC has not been formally informed of the new service by the two companies themselves.
"We don't have information to judge if the new service can operate or if they need to apply for a licence," he said. The service will be closely monitored to see whether its commercial launch is permitted, said Mr Takorn.
After ending its three-month beta version in August, Line Mobile yesterday officially launched its service, claiming users can enjoy lower prices.
Line Mobile Thailand chief marketing officer Pavarisa Chumvigrant said Line Mobile is an independent team owned by DTN. The voice and data services are operated by DTN. Line has granted the rights for the name "Line Mobile" to DTN to reflect the strong collaboration between Line Mobile and Line Thailand. The two teams have been working closely on new services.
Line Mobile operates the service via DTN's network. All Line Mobile mobile numbers are generated by DTN because DTN is a mobile licensee of NBTC.
Line Mobile Thailand's office is located at Chamchuri Square, where DTAC's headquarters are also located.
Ms Pavarisa insisted Line Mobile does not operate the mobile service under an MVNO model, and Line Mobile has already consulted NBTC officers. Service representatives of Line Mobile earlier consulted with the telecom regulator's officers. Line Mobile strongly believes in providing a digital mobile service legally and in compliance with existing regulations, she said.
An industry observer pointed out that DTAC purposefully positioned Line Mobile as an independent team under DTN as it needs access to the Line brand, which has 42 million users in Thailand.
Aroonrath Sangalungkarn, Line Mobile Thailand chief marketing officer, said the company was created to offer consumers the best mobile service experience with ease of use, convenience, no binding contracts and low prices.
Users can conduct all transactions through their mobile services, manage costs and check service fees by themselves. The service enables them to do everything online.
Line Mobile's core competencies contain four offerings: free Line services including LINE Messenger, LINE Calls, LINE Video Calls, and LINE TV without data quota losses; bill payment services; data speed adjustments; and price plan changes anytime through live chat or call centres on the website or mobile app.
Line Mobile offers seven alternative packages, the lowest offering for 249 baht allowing users full-speed data of 1.5 gigabits, up to the unlimited package priced at 1,699 baht with unlimited high-speed data. All packages are 50% off until Oct 31, 2017.