Political Crisis May Delay Thailand's 3G License Auction

The ongoing political crisis in Thailand may cause yet further delays to the 3G licenses which are expected to occur in the fourth-quarter of this year.

"We have to admit that political instability could affect the plan and there is a chance it will be delayed," Prasert Apipunya, deputy secretary-general of the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), told the Reuters news agency.

He said though that so long as the political situation stabilizes, or at least does not get worse, then the aim to offer the licenses this year could still be met.

Advanced Info Service (AIS) recently said that it plans to invest 60 billion baht (US$1.7 billion) over three years on its 3G network - once the 3G licenses are formally awarded, although the operator is already testing a 3G network using its existing 900Mhz radio spectrum.

Another operator, DTAC recently placed an order with Nokia Siemens Networks and Huawei for the supply of 3G infrastructure.

On the web: Reuters - National Telecommunication Commission

Posted to the site on 24th April 2009