Thailand 3G License Sale Could Be Delayed Until 2010

Thailand's on/off process to issue 3G licenses seems to have hit the off-switch again with reports that the tender could be delayed until next year, with network launches not now expected until late in 2010. The secretary-general of the Office of National Telecommunications Commission, Suranand Wongwittayakamjorn told the Bangkok Post that "the much-awaited trial auction for 3G licences will now be put back to January, with licences being awarded by the first quarter of next year"

The office is to submit its new plan to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) board for approval.

Mr Suranand declined to give the base price, terms and conditions for the auctions, but said regulations and policy guidelines should come mid-September.

Earlier this month, Thai operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS) suspended the expansion of its trial 3G network running over the 900Mhz band, citing concerns about congestion for its existing GSM subscribers. The delay to the radio spectrum auction in the more conventional 2100Mhz bands may cause the firm to revisit that decision.

On the web: Bangkok Post

Posted to the site on 29th June 2009