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No laughing matter

'Mickey' and 'Donald' pip 'Goofy' in test run for 3G licence auction where billions will be at stake.

Picture three groups pitted together in titanic struggle for pride, honour and bragging rights. At the end of a tense, stress-filled hour, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck emerge from their rooms with their hands high, while Goofy can only shake his head and consider what might have been.

The contest represented only a test of wills, computer systems and auction procedures. In 13 days, teams from Thailand's top three mobile phone providers will gather in a similar setting and play a similar game, but with tens of billions of baht on the line.

The National Telecommunications Commission is gearing up for what will be a major milestone in the history of the Thai telecom industry: the sale of two licences to build and operate a third-generation wireless network.

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Writer: Komsan Tortermvasana and Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn

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Your comments

  • ian

    Discussion 4 : 08/09/2010 at 04:32 PM4

    100% agree with discussion 1.

    3G will soon be antiquated by newer technologies that are already being rolled out across Europe and the US.

    For decent/cheap internet service these companies "TOT/TRUE" need to invest in proper cabling(i.e. firber optics), otherwise when it comes to internet and other technologies, Thailand will be left standing while others in Asia forge ahead

  • Kjell

    Discussion 3 : 08/09/2010 at 11:12 AM3

    Funny and doubtful though. That telecom commission will award concessions to 2 highest bids. Then how could it be possible for users to enjoy a reasonable low rate? It's similar to the credit card service, without it consumers should pay 3 to 5% lower, the price actually earned by the seller.

  • Geminia

    Discussion 2 : 08/09/2010 at 03:18 AM2

    AIS was holding up the 3G licensing laws through Phuea Thai Party interference with the process. AIS further does not have access any more to corruption which enabled it to secure special fees and other benefits including massive overpriced government projects. I can only hope that AIS will find itself without a license.

  • FourGee

    Discussion 1 : 08/09/2010 at 02:24 AM1

    I read an article like this and wonder where we're going in a country that is seeking 3G when other nations are moving on to the next stage. It also bothers me that the amounts being discussed are so huge - clearly too much profit has already been made by companies who want to use our money to scam us for even more. Given the state of telecoms here, and the mess of cables in the streets, and the awful internet connections, isn't it time for these corporations to put back some of what they've taken? Not to mention names, but a little bit of research will unearth whom I'm talking about. As a customer, I ask you to please sort it out.

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