The NTC wants to introduce the rules before September 30, when its members have to draw lots to vacate three seats as per the Frequency Allocation Act, he said.

Sethaporn was speaking at a seminar called "National Telecom Development and Direction Policy" co-hosted by The Nation and Krungthep Turakij newspapers yesterday. The NTC might consider asking the Council of State again to rule if it could assign frequencies for the 3G service in the absence of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The Frequency Allocation Act mandates both licensing bodies to manage together the telecom and broadcasting spectra and prescribe their use.

The Central Administrative Court in November 2005 voided the process of selecting 14 candidates for the NBC, citing its unconstitutionality.

Late last year, the NTC consulted with the Council of State on whether it could license the 3G frequencies without the NBC. The state's legal advisory arm replied that the NTC "might be able" to refer to the frequency table of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a guideline for managing the telecom industry.

The ITU, under the framework of the United Nations, coordinates with governments and companies on the operations of telecom networks and services and the development of communications technology.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom urged the NTC to speed up the 3G licensing regulations so telecom operators can start investing in the new business. "If there's no 3G licensing, there'll be no new investment."

He also urged TOT to get state-run cellular operator Thai Mobile to start developing 3G business. By holding the 1900 MHz spectrum, Thai Mobile is the only cellular operator in the country with an international standard platform for 3G service.

Thai Mobile is owned by both TOT and CAT, but TOT is acquiring all the shares in Thai Mobile owned by CAT.

Sethaporn criticised Thai Mobile for not making maximum use of the 1900 MHz spectrum despite holding it for many years.

The National Legislative Assembly has drawn up an amendment to the Frequency Allocation Act to allow for the merger of the NTC and the NBC, which would remove the stumbling block to issuing new frequency licences.