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CAT allows True Move to test 3G to keep pace with rivals(Bangkok Post (Thailand) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Mar. 27--CAT Telecom has agreed to let the mobile operator True Move test high-speed third-generation services on its 800-MHz frequencies in a bid to become a leader in the 3G race.Jirayuth Roongsrithong, senior executive vice-president of CAT Telecom, said the state telecom enterprise wanted to help True Move, its other concession holder alongside DTAC, stay competitive with its rivals who were testing the HSPA (high speed packet access) technology. Market leader Advanced Info Service is now testing HSPA on the 900-MHz frequencies while DTAC is preparing to run tests on its 800 MHz Band B. Mr Jirayuth said that in the initial stage, both DTAC and True Move might install and test HSPA in provinces with intermediary infrastructure and demand for third-generation services. CAT would also seek permits from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on behalf of its two concession holders to import equipment for the HSPA test and for running on its frequencies. Although the test is the first step toward providing 3G services in the future, there will be no change in the current concession relating to revenue sharing by concessionaires, he stressed. But telecom specialist Anuparb Thiralarp expressed doubt about the commercial launch after all private operators finished their tests, saying problems would arise immediately because both TOT and CAT were the only operators that could upgrade the services. The private operators should ask themselves on what licences they would base their third-generation services, as the regulator under the new law has yet to be set up, he said. In DTAC's case, it would have to stick to the existing concession, which it repeatedly claims is unfair, in order to provide the services. AIS would face an even bigger challenge because it is testing HSPA on the unconventional 900-MHz band, which could entail future incompatibilities. Mr Anuparb said that providing services on different frequencies was not a solution to 3G investment as the industry had already learned how overlapping investments in 2G services had caused unnecessarily huge investment costs for all parties concerned. AIS plans to invest 1.5 billion baht to provide a commercial wireless broadband WiMax service nationwide, plus 10 billion baht for HSPA this year once the NTC grants it the licences. AIS yesterday conducted WiMax commercial trials on Silom Road in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Lam Luk Ka in Pathum Thani, and Chiang Rai, with an average radius of four kilometres. The NTC has given approval to AIS to upgrade 30 base stations to HSPA in a programme expected to cost $20 million. Chief executive Vikrom Sriprataks said AIS had selected WiMax as a complementary system with third-generation (3G) fixed-based broadband services, replacing the fixed-line system, to deliver content and high-speed internet. Chief marketing officer Sanchai Teoprasertkul said AIS planned to develop 400 WiMax base stations nationwide in the first phase. "A commercial WiMax service would begin three months after the NTC grants us a licence, expected by the end of this year," he said. Mr Sanchai said AIS would charge customers 500 to 600 baht a month with a limited data volume usage of up to six gigabytes. The company would charge one baht for a voice-based service. "We expect to have at least 70,000 users in the first year of operation," he said. President Wichian Mektrakarn said WiMax was likely to replace ADSL and fixed-line systems, with good potential in suburban areas. He said AIS did not expect to earn significant revenue from WiMax services, saying it would be a complementary offering to cellular and fixed-line services. By Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn & Komsan Tortermvasana To see more of the Bangkok Post, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bangkokpost.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Bangkok Post, Thailand Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |
