European telcos eye Thai 3G operations

Published on 03.02.2012

Thai state-owned operator TOT is negotiating with two European mobile operators to offer 3G services as MVNOs on its network, said chairman PanthepChamrasromran. He added helpfully that one is from Norway. Telenor’s majority-owned Thai mobile operator DTAC had earlier signalled its intention to bid for 3G spectrum, expected in the second half of 2012. The TOT official said a conclusion to the negotiations is expected in February.
TOT already has MVNO contracts with five Thai entities: Samarti-Mobile, Loxley, IEC Technology, 365 Communication and M Consult. The other state operat CAT has also set up MVNO relationships.
TOT is expected to extend its 3G network nationally to appeal to the potential MVNOs. It is targeting 5,200 base stations in May, reaching 15,000 eventually. Samart Telecom and Loxley are building TOT’s 3G network.
The Thai government plans to auction 4G spectrum at 2.3 and 1.8 GHz in 2013 or 2014 after reclaiming the bandwidth from existing owners.