In a statement yesterday, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said it fully supported the use of 3G cellular technology.

Telecom operators are eager to obtain 3G licences so they can use the blazing speed of the new technology to provide wireless services like video calling and interactive wireless games, thereby earning more revenue.

The NTC statement appeared to be a reaction to comments by the Information and Communi-cations Technology Ministry that it should speed up its drafting the 3G licensing regulations.

"We're speeding up the process and will soon organise public hearings on the draft again," said NTC secretary-general Suranan Wongvithaya-kakjorn. The NTC has taken many factors into account while drafting, including limited 3G spectrum resources, relevant laws, and benefits to consumers, he said.

The commission remains uncertain about its ability to allocate the 3G licences, because frequency-allocation laws provide that the job of managing and prescribing the use of telecom and broadcasting spectrums must be shared by the NTC and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Suranan said.

However, the selection of 14 candidates for the NBC was nullified in court in 2005 on the grounds it was unconstitutional. The NBC does not yet exist.

Suranan said operators who own 3G spectrums could go ahead and develop services, but they must first inform the NTC.

On a separate matter, the NTC board yesterday approved a commission plan to draft licensing regulations for the 5GHz spectrum for operating the wireless broadband technology WiMax.

Telecom Reporters

The Nation