3G licence issue risks delay to 2010

Business » Telecommunications

3G licence issue risks delay to 2010

Published: 29/06/2009 at 10:36 PM
Online news: Telecommunications

The issuing of third-generation (3G) licences may be put off to the first quarter of next year by a revised schedule from the Office of the National Telecommunications Commission, which could also set back commercial 3G services to late 2010.

The office is to submit its new plan to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) board for approval.

The potential delay has revived a familiar concern among mobile-phone operators that commercial 3G services will be postponed to late 2010.

The NTC had earlier approved issuing 3G licences by the year-end, while major mobile operators planned to provide 3G commercial services early next year.

But the much-awaited trial auction for 3G licences will now be put back to January, with licences being awarded by the first quarter of next year, said Suranand Wongwittayakamjorn, secretary-general of the Office of National Telecommunications Commission.

Mr Suranand declined to give the base price, terms and conditions for the auctions, but said regulations and policy guidelines should come mid-September.

Wichian Mektrakarn, the president of Advanced Info Service (AIS), said if the NTC further delays issuing 3G licences, AIS faces a loan

commitment fee from banks for keeping open the company's credit line.

AIS applied for 10 billion baht in bank loans to spend on its 3G investment project by the year-end.

``If the issue is delayed a quarter, we will be inevitably charged a commitment fee for three months to continue making available unused loan facilities,'' he said.

Athueck Asvanund, vice-chairman of True Corporation, said 3G services would be introduced at least six or seven months after a delayed issuing of licences.

But Tore Johnsen, chief executive of second-ranked DTAC, said if 3G has to be delayed to the first quarter, it would not make any significant difference to earlier projections.

``We have no plan to change our 3G outlook now as no significant changes are seen in the whole picture,'' he said.

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Lertsiri Boonmee

Discussion 16 : 30/06/2009 at 03:55 PM16
If I was looking to introduce the next big telecommunications thing, I would look past 4G because by the time Thailand gets the ball rolling for 4G I am sure the world will be at 5G. Key point is to act FASTER.
rakbkk

Discussion 15 : 30/06/2009 at 03:53 PM15
And all this in a country that was sending corporate owned telecom satellites in the orbit! that was a decade earlier than most other asian countries start mobile phone services.
and then you read delayed reports on bus purchase, dilemna over online lottery, .. seems this government has made a virtue out of being indecisive.

Really we have become laggards even in areas where we used to set the trends.
WW

Discussion 14 : 30/06/2009 at 02:36 PM14
This whole 3G hassle is not only by this government but started a few governments ago.

However, it is really time to clear out this mess now. What about sacking Mrs Ragnarok and put somebody in charge who effectively knows something about IT instead?

A Japanese investor
John Goodman

Discussion 13 : 30/06/2009 at 12:36 PM13
it's funny how ppl here spend so much on devices they can't use
Poremore

Discussion 12 : 30/06/2009 at 12:09 PM12
That is too late for thai peopl to use 3g,becuase people ddon't want whach Tv on Cell phone.Unless they go outdoor or stay only place hav no Tv.But I want to know who is incharge of 3G in Thai...government or bisiness ownwer...Ha
massein

Discussion 11 : 30/06/2009 at 11:27 AM11
I had subscribe to AIS 3 G in Chiang Mai and iit seems to work fine there with about 7MPS but i live in a villege outside the service area and for a while I was getting a connection of 736KBS
which was exceptable, Then I srew up and mention it to the AIS service personell, and now I get about 126 KBS or just just GSM service . Me and my big mouth, so i cange my service to GSM unlimited since that is all i get in any case aand save 500฿
Jai

Discussion 10 : 30/06/2009 at 11:24 AM10
The whole business community should call for the resignations of everybody from the NTC and also the ITC Ministry etc. Enough is enough....we have too many stupid baffons working here.
Thai Guy

Discussion 9 : 30/06/2009 at 10:30 AM9
Efficient Economy...
baht&sold

Discussion 8 : 30/06/2009 at 10:25 AM8
Agree with Chiang Noi. Forget 3G, move directly to 4G, LTE, or WiMax. Given WiMax is less costly than 3G, plus much faster and a single base-unit can 'potentially' send signals up to 90 kms in diameter, this makes for an interesting option (or should).

Unfortunately some vested interests seem to want to protect all that expensive land-line wire which struggles to carry (outdated) ADSL, and other vested interests are committed to 'old-school' expensive 3G no matter what (with back-room deals done and doing?)...

Perhaps Mr Newin's ICT Minister and her banned ex-TRT husband could untangle this mess and fast-track a solution? (tongue firmly in cheek;)

It's a tragedy certain politicians and vested business interests appear to place their needs ahead of the people. If internet access were affordable, fast and accessible for all Thais, the knock-on effect in creating new jobs, new economies and exponential growth would be self-driven.
Wasan Taweesin

Discussion 7 : 30/06/2009 at 10:14 AM7
Too late to rollout 3G in Thialand.!!!

Be smart!!! Just go forward for newer tecnology--Eg, LTE

LTE will get started rollout next year in Europe. If Thai Operalators invested in 3G, it wouldn't be a good investment. 3G network might last for one year.

Be smart and Think Carefully

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3G licence issue risks delay to 2010