3-way panel on networks
The Information and Communications Technology Ministry, TOT and CAT Telecom will jointly set up a panel to fine-tune the two state telecom agencies' plans to maximise use of their network assets, reduce redundant network investment and deal with the appro
ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap said yesterday that the tripartite panel would be set up on Tuesday and would convene for the first time after the Songkran festival.
Both state agencies plan to become network providers. They are likely to suffer huge revenue losses after their concessions end.
CAT owns the concessions of TrueMove, Digital Phone Co (DPC) and Total Access Communication (DTAC). The TrueMove and DPC concessions will expire in September 2013, while that of DTAC expires in 2018.
TOT owns Advanced Info Service’s concession, which will expire in 2015.
After the concessions end, the private telecom operators have to transfer their network assets to their state concession owners, which plan to utilise the assets to create new revenue sources.
Last September, TrueMove proposed buying its conventional cellular network back from CAT after the concession ends for Bt10 billion.
DTAC’s chief corporate affairs officer, Darmp Sukontasap, said yesterday that DTAC would soon discuss with CAT how to proceed after the end of the concession. He added that it was better for DTAC to be prepared in advance, though its concession will not expire until 2018.
