CAT TELECOM proposes Thai telecommunication providers cooperate in joint development

The President of the CAT TELECOM company believes that telecommunication providers in Thailand should cooperate in communications development.

CAT TELECOM President, Mr. Pisarn Chorpocha-udom (พิศาล จอโภชาอุดม ), said that if Thailand's telecommunications industry lagged behind other countries then the nation's social and economic development would be hampered as well.

Mr. Pisarn proposed that domestic telecommuniation providers cooperate in joint development of Thailand's telecommunication industry in order to enhance the nation's competitiveness. The CAT TELCOM President said that Thailand should develop its capabilites to match telecommunication service offerings on par with foreign nations. he advocated creative development for the benefit of end-users.

Mr. Pisarn reported that the transfer of more than 100 billion baht worth of cellular equipment and property by contract bidders to CAT TELECOM, including the Total Access Communication, True Move, and Digital Phone companies was proceeding smoothly. He added that all three companies have adhered to their Build Transfer and Operate (BTO) contracts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 April 2007

TOT board to consider list of telecom pool board today

TOT board member Wutthiphong Phreabjariyawat (วุฒิพงษ์ เพรียบจริยวัฒน์) indicates that the establishment of a telecom pool must be finished within this government.

Mr. Wutthiphong, who is a director at TOT Plc., said that the merging of TOT and CAT Telecom should be finished within 3-4 months. He said this would also encompass the merging of fiber-optic networks belonging to the country's three electricity authorities (EGAT, PEA, MEA). He said the entire board of TOT will be presented with the name list for board members of the national telecom pool today (April 20), which will include the names of the legal committee and those in various divisions in addition to the names of all 15 executives.

Mr. Wutthiphong said a public hearing will be made to receive the views of the public and TOT and CAT staffs after the name list is released. He added that once the telecom pool is established as a holding company, the public will enjoy the benefits of cheaper telephone charges and increased accessibility to the internet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 April 2007