3G News & Developments

[lomatopo]

Hoping to consolidate all Thailand-related 3G News and Developments into one thread rather than starting a new thread for each new story...

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'TOT3G' next-generation system due in November

Published: 9/06/2011 at 12:00 AM

The TOT3G next-generation wireless system will be ready for launch in 17 provinces by November and nationwide next year, says TOT Corporation.

The state telecom enterprise plans to launch a marketing campaign for the TOT3G brand tomorrow to help raise public awareness of the project.

The new system, based on the 1900- megahertz frequency and informally known as 3.9G, offers speeds as fast as 42 Mbps or an order of magnitude faster than the commonly used, pre-3G Edge network offered now by the major cellular providers.

more...

[lomatopo]

ADVANC reveals, ready to give 3G service on 900 frequency band in early July

► To be the first commercial 3G service provider in Thailand

► Fair value after compensation to state still implies 17%

upside. Reiterate BUY

more..

[lomatopo]

CAT's action vital for 3G future.

The Nation Published on June 9, 2011.

The dispute between the National Telecommunications Commission and CAT Telecom over the licensing of third-generation high-speed cellular networks will not be resolved, and the public's use of 3G frequencies will remain limited, unless CAT withdraws its legal challenge to the NTC's authority.

Until the case is withdrawn, the public will continue to be unable to benefit from 3G serv i ice either on the 2.1gigahertz spectrum to be licensed by the NTC, or on CAT's own 850megahertz spectrum.

more...

[lomatopo]

NESDB rejects CAT’s 3G investment proposal (Thailand)

On 06.03.11, In Mobile, By Editor

National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) of Thailand has rejected CAT’s investment proposal.

CAT was panning to invest US$395.77 million on launching a nationwide 3G network. However, CAT stated that its wholesale and resale 3G service will be launched on schedule in Q2, despite the rejection.

more...

[lomatopo]

CAT may take back petition over 3G licence auction (Thailand)

On 06.03.11, In Mobile, By Editor

CAT, which operates in Thailand, may reportedly drop its petition against the regulator over the 3G licence auction in exchange for approval of 3G equipment imports. The company’s directors are scheduled to discuss the issue shortly.

According to reports, the acting National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been delaying the import of 3G equipment as it needs a ruling from the Constitution Court on its authority to improve such imports.

more...

[lomatopo]

Friday, June 3, 2011

Phuket Live Wire: Still dreaming about 3G

PHUKET: The easiest way to get 3G service in Phuket involves a trek to the True office in Phuket Town, in the little building in front of Robinson’s department store. There you will find several people who understand 3G (believe me, that’s quite an accomplishment), and they’ll set you up with 3G service.

If you already have a True SIM card, and a dongle, 3G iPad or 3G capable smartphone, you only need to enable the 3G service from True. You can keep your old phone number.

more...

[lomatopo]

TOT to showcase its 3G service

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Published on June 6, 2011

TOT plans a two-day showcase of its 3G service again on June 10 with the intention of emphasising that the government could make the dream of a nationwide 3G service in Thailand come true, a state agency source said.

The source added that the showcase will be a political attempt to highlight the government's performance ahead of the July 3 general election.

But the showcase will have to rely on TOT's existing network in Greater Bangkok as the first phase of TOT's rollout of new and nationwide 3G network would be finished in the next four months. The cost of the showcase is estimated at Bt5 million.

more...

[Phil Conners]

Excellent idea! Pinned!

Posts edited in line with forum rules 22 and 31.

[thaicbr]

i'M REALLY HOPING THAT the 1900MHz is a mistake. And they meant 2100MHz..... I mean the existing TOT network is on 2100MHz.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

i'M REALLY HOPING THAT the 1900MHz is a mistake. And they meant 2100MHz..... I mean the existing TOT network is on 2100MHz.

It isn't a mistake. But the 2100MHz band may be included within that frequency. If not, many USB modems cover this band anyway. My Huawei E160 covers UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz.

[lomatopo]

Not sure what 3.9 G is...Oh, TOT's re-branding...or the current government's (Democratic Party) demonstration of achievement...

http://campaign.democrat.or.th/policies/thailand/broadbrand?gclid=CJndl6i5qqkCFQQb6wodAkAyLQ

(translation)

June 10, 2554 the time was right to stimulate TOT 3G market Refreshing to see a bright brand new brand. It is also the process of creating brand awareness (brand awareness) to the general target group. To communicate with the market that services TOT 3G can provide speeds up to 42 Mbps over the existing data transfer speeds, 7.2 Mbps and 14.4 Mbps. as well as to consumers who are buying a smart phone or tag. GAMES tab to select the device correctly. Compatible with TOT 3G network to its full potential.

Dr. Arnon Tubtiang President TOT TOT3G said that before the commencement of the service portion of the third quarter TOT need to stimulate the market again. To create brand awareness and services that prepare phase service to all over the country After a period of leave to the marketing of a range.

Edited June 10, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

i'M REALLY HOPING THAT the 1900MHz is a mistake. And they meant 2100MHz..... I mean the existing TOT network is on 2100MHz.

No mistake. TOT cannot use 2100 Mhz on their national build-out as this frequency is not available to them (complicated issues, CAT "owns" 850, NTC "owns" 2100), ignoring the fact that their current 550 base stations of 3G 2100 in metro-Bangkok is technically an illegal trial.

This may.will all change on July 3.

Edited June 10, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

CAT’s action vital for 3G future

Posted on 09 June 2011.

The dispute between the National Telecommunications Commission and CAT Telecom over the licensing of third-generation high-speed cellular networks will not be resolved, and the public’s use of 3G frequencies will remain limited, unless CAT withdraws its legal challenge to the NTC’s authority.

Until the case is withdrawn, the public will continue to be unable to benefit from 3G servฌice either on the 2.1gigahertz spectrum to be licensed by the NTC, or on CAT’s own 850megahertz spectrum.

NTC commissioner Sudharma Yoonaidharm said the watchdog would feel more confident about proceeding with 3G licensing if CAT were to drop last September’s challenge to the NTC in the Central Administrative Court.

more...

[skippybangkok]

ADVANC reveals, ready to give 3G service on 900 frequency band in early July

► To be the first commercial 3G service provider in Thailand

► Fair value after compensation to state still implies 17%

upside. Reiterate BUY

more..

AIS / DTAC will never launch 3G under their existing concessions. Any attempt is just pure marketing / positioning because nobody in his right mind would invest up of $1 billion then hands this asset over to the concession givers (TOT / CAT )in a few years from now after the concession expires.

[Crushdepth]

"and informally known as 3.9G".

What a crock.

[lomatopo]

ADVANC reveals, ready to give 3G service on 900 frequency band in early July ► To be the first commercial 3G service provider in Thailand ► Fair value after compensation to state still implies 17% upside. Reiterate BUY more..

AIS / DTAC will never launch 3G under their existing concessions. Any attempt is just pure marketing / positioning because nobody in his right mind would invest up of $1 billion then hands this asset over to the concession givers (TOT / CAT )in a few years from now after the concession expires.

Concessions typically last for 25 years.

"and informally known as 3.9G".

What a crock.

A lot of service providers are calling HSPA+, (the service TOT is referring to here) (42 Mbps) 4G. Not sayin' 3.9 G sounds good from a branding perspective.

[skippybangkok]

A lot of service providers are calling HSPA+, (the service TOT is referring to here) (42 Mbps) 4G. Not sayin' 3.9 G sounds good from a branding perspective.

Yep, USA is a good example. And have seen tons of TV-ers quoting how the world has moved to 4G

[lomatopo]

{Google Translate}

September is the projected installation of 3G network - 1000, TOT has set the target customer base stations using the M / V N O 3 G 5 hundred thousand annual inventory build policy "broadband" Catch 5 state signed the fiber. Boutique common

Mr. Wat Chai Wilailak President Samart Corporation Plc. Reveal the progress of the installation of 3G mobile phone project, TOT that is expected in September 54 will be installed in the network in Bangkok and its vicinity about 1000 from the current base station. at 500 stations.

Meanwhile, in terms of rent for use of the infrastructure market. (M V N O) of the Company. The company anticipates the market will take place over the months of September and through media advertising and public relations. And is expected to end customers using the SIM card. 3 G's X i - Mobile revenue from the current total of five hundred thousand two hundred cases have customers earn 200-300 baht per subscriber (APRU).

more...

Target ARPU is interesting.

[lomatopo]

{Google translate}

CAT's lawsuit taking aim NTC issues of authority.

Hope the import of 3G devices found after opening the dreaded disease move delayed The TOT point of 3G launch delayed three months.

Mr. Jirayut Rungsrithong President of CAT Telecom Public Company Limited announced after the meeting of the Board of Directors (Board) on June 10 in the past that Reported the board aware of issues guidelines for taking action authority of the National Telecommunications Commission or NTC. Because of the law. Frequency Allocation Act, the organization and supervise the operation of radio The business of television and the National Telecommunications Act 2553 accepted the NTC. Acting Committee duties broadcast Television and telecommunications operations, national or CAT Beach. But still the issue of the NTC. No authority in the allocation of new spectrum.

However, the taking of action on issues such as CAT has to enter discussions with the NTC. On May 30, through which Mr Mongkol Prapoin Chairman NTC. To offer a. CAT consider filing a request to withdraw, so the CAT's board meeting was then addressed the matter more consideration. But there is no action to withdraw all requests of course. Because the Court can see that a secret settlement between the parties. As for the import of 3G devices by the CAT will be discussed with the NTC. Again next week. Along with proposed guidelines for taking action to issue the NTC. To acknowledge and discuss together the following guidelines.

more...

I think CAT had a board meeting yesterday, seems like they still feel like they can go ahead with the RealMove (True) roll-out, but perhaps it might be delayed? Not sure I'm understanding the translation?

More on this item...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/10/thailand-3g-idUSB7E7FT01320110610?feedType=RSS&feedName=hotStocksNews

Thai CAT Telecom 3G launch may be delayed

BANGKOK, June 10 | Fri Jun 10, 2011 3:35am EDT

(Reuters) - State-owned CAT Telecom said on Friday its planned third-generation mobile service plan with True Corp may be delayed from the third quarter, pending approval to import equipment by the industry regulator.

"We cannot give a specific timeframe for when the 3G services will be launched," CAT Chief Executive Jirayut Rungsrithong told reporters.

The True group, which owns third-ranked mobile operator True Move, signed deals with CAT in January to install and provide 3G services using HSPA technology after the private telecoms firm bought the local CDMA business of Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd .

CAT and True had said they planned to roll out 3G services in August and September.

That sound you're hearing is back-pedaling.

And more...

CAT makes move to speed up granting of NTC 3G permit

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Published on June 11, 2011

CAT Telecom's official launch of its nationwide third-generation wireless broadband service, planned for the third quarter, will be delayed if the national telecom watchdog does not soon grant the long-awaited permit to install and use HSPA equipment, CAT chief executive officer Jirayuth Rungsrithong said yesterday.

In an effort to move the process along, the CAT board yesterday approved withdrawing one of the two points in its complaint to the Central Administrative Court against the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). CAT will withdraw that part of the complaint questioning the NTC's overall regulatory power, while maintaining a more specific complaint.

It is hoped this will make the NTC feel more confident of its authority so that it will quickly grant the permit for CAT to install and use HSPA (high-speed packet access) technology to provide 3G service.

But, Jirayuth said, CAT would first talk to the NTC next week to make sure withdrawing part of the court complaint will actually have the desired effect so that the 3G project can go ahead.

more...

Seems duplicitous of CAT, on one hand telling the NTC to give them a permit, while suing to stop the NTC from giving 2100 permits? Just get it installed and compete on service/price, don't worry about some lead-time.

Edited June 11, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

(not necessarily 3G related)

Telecom concessions: Agencies gear up for end of era

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Published on June 11, 2011

TOT and CAT Telecom have begun to prepare for the approaching expiry of private mobile operators' cellular concession terms.

CAT's board yesterday told the agency to study what to do after the end of its three cellular concessions.

Chief executive Jirayuth Rungsrithong told the board that one option was to propose to the concession holders - TrueMove, Total Access Communication (DTAC) and Digital Phone Co (DPC) - that they buy their existing networks from CAT to continue to provide service. All three of them have been functioning on a build-transfer-operate (BTO) basis.

The concessions of TrueMove and DPC will end in 2013, while that of DTAC expires in 2018.

more...

[Jiu-Jitsu]

(not necessarily 3G related)

Telecom concessions: Agencies gear up for end of era

By Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Published on June 11, 2011

TOT and CAT Telecom have begun to prepare for the approaching expiry of private mobile operators' cellular concession terms.

CAT's board yesterday told the agency to study what to do after the end of its three cellular concessions.

Chief executive Jirayuth Rungsrithong told the board that one option was to propose to the concession holders - TrueMove, Total Access Communication (DTAC) and Digital Phone Co (DPC) - that they buy their existing networks from CAT to continue to provide service. All three of them have been functioning on a build-transfer-operate (BTO) basis.

The concessions of TrueMove and DPC will end in 2013, while that of DTAC expires in 2018.

more...

Something wrong with this article...

TOT president Anont Tubtiang.... said Thailand was the fourth Asean country to have 3G service after Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

What about Vietnam? Thailand does even not have a commercial 3G service(other than TOT 3G in Bangkok), only 'trials'. They make all kinds of promises... Was he lying, was he misquoted or does he simply not know what he is talking about?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Forgot to mention Cambodia too.... all ASEAN countries.

[semoa]

<br />CAT's action vital for 3G future<br /><br />Posted on 09 June 2011. <br /><br />The dispute between the National Telecommunications Commission and CAT Telecom over the licensing of third-generation high-speed cellular networks will not be resolved, and the public's use of 3G frequencies will remain limited, unless CAT withdraws its legal challenge to the NTC's authority.<br /><br />Until the case is withdrawn, the public will continue to be unable to benefit from 3G servฌice either on the 2.1gigahertz spectrum to be licensed by the NTC, or on CAT's own 850megahertz spectrum.<br /><br />NTC commissioner Sudharma Yoonaidharm said the watchdog would feel more confident about proceeding with 3G licensing if CAT were to drop last September's challenge to the NTC in the Central Administrative Court.<br /><br /><br /><a href='http://www.thaivest.com/cats-action-vital-for-3g-future/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><u>more...</u></a><br />

<br /><br /><br />

I know that CAT TEL are sob: since 3 month only 100 Kb and nobody for maintenance...

[lomatopo]

DTAC ready to return unutilised spectrum

By SIRIVISH TOOMGUM

THE NATION

Published on June 13, 2011

Total Access Communi-cation is willing to return 25MHz of its idle 1,800MHz spectrum to the regulator for reallocation to future 4G operators. Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO of DTAC, said last week that once the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) gets off the ground and starts drawing up the spectrum master plan, he would advise it to consider this point.

Thailand could go with both 3G and Long-term Evolution (LTE) 4G, which would be more efficient from a cost standpoint.

When the NBTC auctions 2.1GHz bands for 3G, it could also consider licensing some 1,800MHz bands for 4G.

TrueMove and Digital Phone Co would each also have to return 12.5MHz of the 1,800MHz spectrum to the NBTC in 2013 when their concessions end. At that time DTAC is willing to give up its unutilised 25MHz of the 1,800MHz spectrum. Then the NBTC should reallocate this combined 50MHz bandwidth via licensing.

more...

and

more here...

Edited June 13, 2011 by lomatopo

[lomatopo]

3G hardware import plan still on table [bangkok Post, Thailand]

(Bangkok Post (Thailand) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 13--A majority of the acting National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission is in favour of consideration of a request by state telecom agencies to import equipment to build third-generation wireless networks.

Col Natee Sukolrat, an acting NBTC member, said members felt that allowing the imports and the start of 3G network installations would benefit the public.

In any case, permission for CAT Telecom or TOT Plc to import HSPA (high-speed packet access) equipment would come with a condition that a change could be made if the court rules otherwise.

more...

[lomatopo]

CAT Telecom postpones 3G plan

13 June 2011

Thai operator's 3G service plan with True is pending approval by the industry regulator

Read more: [Thailand] [CAT Telecom] [True Move]

Thailand’s state-owned CAT Telecom has announced that there might be a delay in its planned 3G mobile service plan with True. The True Group, which owns Thailand’s third mobile operator True Move, signed deals with CAT in January to install and provide 3G services using HSPA technology. The deal followed True’s acquisition of the local CDMA business of Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd .

The delay is due to pending approval by the industry regulator to import equipment. CAT chief executive Jirayut Rungsrithong said: "We cannot give a specific timeframe for when the 3G services will be launched."

The operators had earlier planned to roll out 3G services in August and September.

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Import License Problems Could Delay CAT Telecom's 3G Network Launch

By: Simon Davies | 13th Jun 2011

Thailand's interim telecoms regulator is in favour of granting permission to the state-owned telco, CAT Telecom to start imports of HSPA network equipment, subject to the company accepting that the decision might be overturned later.

Col Natee Sukolrat, an acting NBTC member, told the Bangkok Post that members felt that allowing the imports and the start of 3G network installations would benefit the public, even though there is still doubt about the regulator having the legal authority to act on the matter.

http://www.cellular-news.com/story/49548.php

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[lomatopo]

TrueMove complaint against DTAC

By The Nation

Published on June 14, 2011

TrueMove will file a complaint with the police today accusing Total Access Communication (DTAC) of breaching Thailand's foreign ownership laws.

TrueMove, while hinting of the complaint yesterday, declined to be specific. It is however expected to involve shareholders who could act as nominees of Norway-based Telenor.

As of May 13, Telenor Asia owned 41 per cent of DTAC, while Thai Telco Holdings, in which Telenor Asia owns 49 per cent, held around 23 per cent in DTAC.

DTAC has insisted many times that it has complied with all relevant laws. True's move appears as a counter to DTAC's recent complaint to the Central Administrative Court alleging that CAT Telecom-True Corp 3G service collaboration deals affect market competition and violate some laws.

[lomatopo]

Telecommunications: Breaking the deadlock

Published: 13/06/2011 at 07:11 PM

Online news: Learning From News

Let's try 4G: DTAC has a compromise "win-win" solution to end the long stalemate over 3G and the endless chain of lawsuits.

OSLO : DTAC, the country's second largest mobile operator, is floating a proposal to return an unutilised portion of its frequency to the new industry regulator in exchange for a fourth-generation (4G) operating licence.

The company says it has devised a strategic model that could end the long stalemate over 3G and simultaneously lay the groundwork for 4G wireless broadband services, which some other countries are already developing.

The idea centres on returning the portion of the 1800-Megahertz spectrum that the company is not using to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Jon Eddy Abdullah, the chief executive officer of DTAC, said he believed the plan was a win-win solution that could break the deadlock in the Thai telecom industry and allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of high-speed wireless data communication...

...Prathet Tankuranun, the company's head for engineering, said DTAC could install 4G long-term evolution (LTE) software on top of its existing upgraded 2G network, enabling it to provide speeds of up to 80 Mbps.

more...

[lomatopo]

Thailand to auction 3G licences by Q1 2012

By Chun Han Wong, Dow Jones Newswires

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Regulator says licensing process will begin next year at earliest pending resolution of legal issues.

Thailand's telecommunications and broadcasting regulator expects to auction off licenses to operate the frequency spectrum used for third-generation mobile phone services in the first quarter of 2012 at the earliest after outstanding legal issues are resolved, an acting member of the regulator said.

The frequency licensing move is seen as a key step in the continuing liberalization of Thailand's telecom industry, which is dominated by two state-owned firms that hold rights to grant contracts to private operators. Analysts say progress on the 3G platform can provide substantial economic benefits for the country, where broadband penetration is relatively low.

In September 2010, a Thai court issued an injunction against the planned auction of 3G mobile licenses to private operators after state-owned firms CAT Telecom and TOT Corp. PCL filed petitions challenging the authority of the Thailand's National Telecommunications Commission to allocate the 2.1-gigahertz frequency spectrum used for 3G services.

more...

[lomatopo]

DTAC: It's not True

By Sirivish Toomgum,

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Published on June 15, 2011

Telenor says ownership complies with laws, in response to TrueMove's complaint to Crime Suppression Division

A new round in the legal dispute between TrueMove and Total Access Communication (DTAC) has erupted following TrueMove's filing of a complaint yesterday with the Crime Suppression Division against DTAC, alleging that its rival is a foreign-owned entity running a business in Thailand in circumvention of the Foreign Business Act.

The police said they would examine the details and decide whether there were grounds for prosecution.

Norway's Telenor and its local strategic partner DTAC both released statements countering the complaint, affirming that Telenor's ownership in DTAC complies with Thai laws and regulations.

more...