They plan to expand the collaboration to include other services such as high-speed data access soon.

CAT recently launched its CDMA 2000 1-x high-speed cellular service in 51 provinces, while Hutch, which debuted in Thailand several years ago, offers a similar service on a separate network in 25 provinces.

Previously, Hutch's users could not send short messages to any networks if they were outside the 25 provinces covered by their network, though they could receive the messages. The company has about 700,000 customers.

CAT president Phisal Jorphochaudom said the tie-up reflected his firm's commitment to bring a high performance CDMA network to all people in all regions of Thailand.

Vitus Wong, deputy CEO of Hutch, said the move marked the first step towards providing nationwide roaming for other CDMA services.

Hutchison-CAT is 75 per cent owned by Hong Kong telecom giant Hutchison Telecom, while CAT holds a 25-per-cent stake.

CAT is also seeking to collaborate with Hutchison-CAT in branding and handset procurement for their broadband cellular services. The state agency also wants to utilise Hutchison-CAT's software to deliver wireless content to its customers.

CAT will spend Bt300 million to market its CDMA service this year and targets signing up 150,000 users. Initially, it will focus on providing an air-card service, which gives notebook-computer users high-speed wireless access to the Internet. The two firms are discussing completely integrating their networks and amending their marketing contract to promote greater flexibility. The Council of State is examining the contract for compliance with the state-private joint-investment law.

Telecom Reporters

The Nation