True all set to launch its 2G service on Thursday
TRUE CORP is ready to fully launch its nationwide 2G-900-megahertz service on Thursday
It is eyeing the 900MHz users of Advanced Info Service who are still using 2G phones to make voice calls.
AIS has 8.2 million such subscribers, of whom 7.8 million belong to its subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network.
Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive officer of True, said yesterday that True’s 2G service will use the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands that True won licences for in auctions last December.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission reallocated AIS’ 900MHz spectrum in December via bidding after AIS’ 900MHz concession with TOT expired in September.
The watchdog had ordered AIS to shut down its 900MHz service in the middle of last month after the NBTC awarded one of the two 900MHz licences to TrueMove H Universal Communication, a unit of True Corp.
However, AIS sought an injunction from the Central Administrative Court and the court allowed AIS to delay the cut-off to this Thursday.
Last Friday, AIS asked for an extension of the switch-off from Thursday to June 30.
On the same day, True asked the court to be an interpleader against AIS’s extension plan.
Suphachai said True has to fight against the extension because its new 2G network is ready and it hopes to secure many subscribers.
However, the National Council for Peace and Order is expected to seek ways to extend the 900MHz service cut-off date until the NBTC |finds a new 900MHz licensee.
The NBTC is preparing to hold the second 900MHz licence auction next month after Jas Mobile Broadband, the other winner, failed to pay the initial upfront fee for its licence by the March 21 deadline and forfeited the right to receive the licence.
The NBTC has welcomed all cellular operators except Jas to join the new bidding but Suphachai still will not confirm if True will participate.
