TOT plans 4G on 2.3ghz spectrum
Play
TOT will establish a fourth-generation cellular network, using its 2.3-gigahertz spectrum, as part of its 3G network extension plan.
TOT board chairman Panthep Chamrasromran said yesterday that the agency needed to set up 4G cellular broadband service as a future revenue source.
It will advise the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission that it is willing to give 30 megahertz of bandwidth from its 2.3GHz spectrum to the NBTC for reallocation and will keep the rest for 4G service.
The NBTC wants to reclaim part of TOT’s 2.3GHz spectrum for reallocation. The watchdog vows to move quickly to auction 2.3GHz licences after it holds the auction of the 2.1GHz spectrum for 3G service, planned for the third quarter. The NBTC expects to open bidding for 2.3GHz and 1,800MHz licences in 2013 or 2014 for 4G service after it is able to reclaim the frequencies from their current holders.
The watchdog has already permitted all major telecom operators to test-launch 4G service on a non-commercial basis, using Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. Among those testing the service are the joint operations of Advanced Info Service-TOT and CAT Telecom-Digital Phone Co.
Under TOT’s 3G roll-out plan, it will have set up 5,320 base stations nationwide by May, of which 4,908 are already in operation. In a separate matter, the board appointed senior executive vice president Montchai Noosong as acting president, effective today, after the resignation yesterday of board director Tanawat Ampunant from the acting-president post.
