Passage for second phase of 3G project
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Board approves network expansion, choice of spectrum for wireless data service before 8 directors resign today
TOT’s board yesterday approved the Bt30-billion second phase of the project to expand its third-generation cellular network and the plan to use the 2.3-gigahertz spectrum to develop a wireless data service.
The resolutions were made before eight directors, including chairman Panthep Chamrasromran, tender their resignations today.
In the second phase, 12,000 base stations will be installed nationwide, bringing TOT’s network coverage to 80 per cent of the population.
The first phase is expected to reach 4,250 bases nationwide by next month after more than 3,000 have already been set up.
TOT will soon propose the investment plan for the second-phase network roll-out and the data-services plan to the Information and Communications Technology Ministry and the Cabinet for approval.
The move to use the 2.3GHz frequency is part of the state enterprise’s attempt to keep the spectrum to generate revenue and to serve the ministry’s policy to promote access to broadband service.
Under the spectrum management plan of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, all state enterprises have to return those spectra that have no expiration date to the NBTC for reallocation.
The eight TOT directors’ resignation letters will be submitted to the ICT and Finance ministries for effect today.
Panthep said that after one year on the job, he had accomplished all the tasks and should give a chance to other people.
A TOT source said the eight directors decided to step down as factions on the 13-member board failed to work together in steering the state agency to meet its goals in the past year.
TOT still has many objectives to accomplish, including the planned restructuring to improve revenue and to deal with the approaching ends of its private cellular concessions and the fiercer market competition. It has played a key role in supporting the government’s free Wi-Fi service. It will also have to set up Tower Co to lease out its telecom towers to generate income.
ICT Minister Anudith Nakornthap said he would seek people to fill the vacancies on the board as soon as possible.
