Overseas-call prefix threat by NTC
The telecom regulator has threatened to replace overseas-call prefixes with new four-digit numbers in a bid to make state telecom agencies give back some of their three-digit numbers.
A source at the National Telecommunications Commission said last week that the NTC had informed TOT, CAT Telecom and private telecom operators about the allocation of overseas-call prefixes.The NTC has only "006" left for international call services, forcing it to ask TOT and CAT to return some of their unused three-digit numbers. Although the NTC could introduce new prefix numbers, it would rather stick to the three-digit numbers for the sake of the national plan. The NTC told CAT and TOT that if it could not get three-digit numbers back from them it might have to introduce four-digit numbers and all overseas call operators would have to use them, the source added. "If the NTC ends up having to do this, it means TOT and CAT will have to spend a great deal on promotional activities for the new [four-digit] numbers for their overseas-call services," the source said. CAT uses "001" for dialling abroad and "009" for incoming roaming service, while TOT uses "007" for international calls over the regular network and "002" for Internet Protocol-based overseas calls. The second largest cellular operator, Total Access Communication, has already applied for an NTC licence to offer an international-call service, while Triple T Global and True Corp are also interested in applying for the licence. Usanee Mongkolporn The Nation
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