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DTAC expects 3G by 2013
Feb 11, 2012 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Total Access Communication (DTAC) is determined to roll out its third-generation (3G) network nationwide next year with 11,000 base stations covering all districts.
The expansion is part of the second-largest mobile operator's three-year 3G investment budget of 40 billion baht, starting from this year.
Some 15 billion baht is slated for the 3G licence auction on the international standard 2100-megahertz frequency.
The rest will be spent on 3G network expansion on radio base stations on both the 850- and the 2100-MHz spectra, switching and transmission.
"We plan to become a leader in 3G service through a nationwide network expansion on the analogue 850-MHz frequency, covering 940 districts by 2013," said chief executive Jon Eddy Abdullah.
He said DTAC can begin testing its 4G cellular broadband in Bangkok in conjunction with CAT Telecom by May.
The non-commercial trial will be conducted with its concession owner CAT providing 4G service using long-term evolution technology on the state telecom enterprise's 1800-MHz spectrum.
The NBTC expects to approve DTAC's application to test 4G using 25 unused MHz of its 50 MHz of bandwidth.
Mr Abdullah also urged the NBTC to move ahead with the company's proposal to return its 25 MHz of unused bandwidth to the regulator in exchange for a 4G operating licence.
"We believe Thailand could have 3G and 4G commercial service simultaneously, which other countries are already developing," he said.
DTAC faces chronic mobile data traffic congestion, especially in the city outskirts.
Mr Abdullah pledged the network snafus will be resolved this year after its major network swap project is complete.
He outlined the company's pipeline for 2G and 3G businesses, saying DTAC is determined to participate in the planned 3G licence auction scheduled for mid-year.
"If we get a 3G licence on the 2100-MHz frequency, we plan a massive network expansion mainly in Bangkok and major provinces," said Mr Abdullah.
"The existing 3G infrastructure on the 850-MHz frequency will be allocated to serve upcountry thanks to its five-times-wider network coverage than the 2100-MHz frequency."
He said DTAC is in talks with CAT about possibly entering into a wholesale agreement with the enterprise after its concession expires in 2018.
Mr Abdullah will ask the NBTC to terminate the foreign dominance regulations that took effect last August, as he deemed them "unlawful".
The regulations might also adversely affect DTAC's planned 3G licence bid, he added.
___ (c)2012 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post
(Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information
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