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NBTC plans to issue price ceiling for 3G voice, dataNov 10, 2012 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) expects to introduce a temporary third-generation (3G) price benchmark for both voice and data service by mid-December. Takorn Tantasit, the NBTC's secretary-general, said the new tariff rates will apply to 3G operators running wireless broadband service on the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum plus TOT Plc and CAT Telecom. The three bid winners from last month's 3G auction must inform the NBTC of their real operating costs and submit their temporary tariff rates for 3G service by Nov 23. The real cost of operations comprises licence fees, network rollouts and interconnection charges, said Mr Takorn. He said 3G operators on the 2.1-GHz spectrum must follow this rule before the regulator allocates the spectrum. The temporary draft will slash the pricing of 3G service by at least 15-20% from the current regulation controlling a maximum rate for voice service of 99 satang a minute. The NBTC recently announced its statement of intent about limiting 3G prices to help calm public concerns that the 2.1-GHz auction held on Oct 16 unfairly rewarded private operators at the expense of consumers and the state. The 3G information memorandum allows the NBTC to set measures to protect the public interest in line with the Telecommunications Business Act of 2001. Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this article ___ (c)2012 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |