NTC wary of auction fate | Bangkok Post: business

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NTC wary of auction fate

But regulator insists 3G bid will go ahead

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is keeping a wary eye on what one member claims are politically motivated efforts to derail this month's highly anticipated auction of 3G mobile broadband licences.

But the chairman of the auction committee insists the event will go ahead as scheduled on Sept 20 in Hua Hin, under unprecedented security provided by military and police personnel.Col Natee Sukolrat, who is also one of the seven NTC commissioners, said certain political interest groups had been trying to undermine the auction, working through nominees and using underground tactics.He said the first signs of resistance emerged when the regulator was drafting the auction rules, with some parties attempting to include rules that would most benefit themselves or business groups with which they were linked.However, he said the NTC had been careful to ensure that the final draft was fair and would not benefit any one group over any other.Because the auction rules have now been published in the Royal Gazette, there is no turning back."This means the bidding process has to happen on the schedule. If the NTC ignores the schedule, it will be found guilty of violating Article 157 of the Constitution," said Col Natee.Three complaints about the auction process have been filed with the Administrative Court but all were dismissed, he said, adding that he expected more legal challenges to come.He also pointed to an attempt by Prasit Pothasuthon, chairman of the Senate committee on science, technology, communications and telecommunications, to bring a case to the National Counter Corruption Commission.Mr Prasit claimed that the 3G auction prices proposed by the NTC were too low.As well, the House committee on science, technology and communications last week suggested that the mobile operator DTAC be disqualified from the auction because it is more than 50 per cent foreign controlled - a claim that DTAC, the Commerce Ministry and the NTC have all rejected.The House committee is chaired by Chen Thaugsuban, a brother of...

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Writer: Komsan Tortermvasana
Position: Business Reporter

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Your comments

  • wantmymoney

    Discussion 6 : 06/09/2010 at 04:27 PM6

    3G is a western technology developed mainly for advanced economies with good infrastruture already in place, that include regulatory rules and procedure. Thailand does not develope its own 3G technology so it must import them from western companies, its expensive to built and maintain such highly advance communication system. Therefore it is only those companies with deep pocket and close association with western equipment supplier can roll out 3G. China telco had to joint venture to launch its 3G but its now able to continue its expansion throughout thec country. Hence, only AIS and DTAC has the money, expertise and connection to carry out successful 3G network roll out.

  • Lomsakpeter

    Discussion 5 : 06/09/2010 at 11:52 AM5

    We are talking about mobile phones here aint we?
    In Thailand 99 per cent of Thai's use pay as you go!most chat, or sms so why do people think 3g will work! Give them a flashy phone for plaing games and they are happy! I had a 3G in UK when they first come out...it was expensive to use and only worked live pics when the other party had one too!

  • Bill W

    Discussion 4 : 06/09/2010 at 09:42 AM4

    This entire process of 3G in Thailand has become a joke! Protectionist measures that ensure the elites are lining their pockets at the expense of the population! When will Thailand learn?
    PS - do you know the rest of the world is working on 4G now?

  • Frank

    Discussion 3 : 06/09/2010 at 08:14 AM3

    Thailand's censorship and its equipment makes impossible to use a high-tech.

  • Chiangmai Skipper

    Discussion 2 : 06/09/2010 at 03:46 AM2

    Because of the, massive potential for rip-off and profits these people are fighting like soi dogs for the opportunity to stick it to the customer. Four friggin’ years behind schedule and no resolution in sight! Exclusion of non-Thais (racism) and the further research and development they would bring to the Thai customer. How in the world does anything ever come to fruition in Thailand? Greed. Greed. Greed.

  • swede

    Discussion 1 : 05/09/2010 at 11:30 PM1

    When Thailand finally can use 3G technology, the rest of the development world are using 4G.
    Thailand are using old technology and the world are laughing.

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