DTAC, True Move get nod for 3G service

CAT spokesman Pongsapat Pongcharoen said after CAT's board meeting on Friday that CAT would ask for permission from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to adjust the current use of the 800MHz band by DTAC and CAT's Code Division Multiple Access 2000 1-x cellular service in order to free up 5MHz for True Move.

CAT has to make the adjustment to meet the request of True Move for 800MHz bands to develop the 3G service using High Speed Packet Access technology.

Though DTAC had sought CAT's permission many times to develop the 3G HSPA service on its existing 800MHz bands, CAT had stalled, pending its finding of any 800MHz bands for True Move, which has only the 1800MHz spectrum.

If the NTC gives its approval to CAT's spectrum adjustment, CAT will talk with both of its private cellular concession holders to tweak their concessions to allow them to roll out the 3G service.

In exchange for CAT's approval of the HSPA service, both cellular operators have to allow CAT to co-brand with them. For example, when they launch the 3G service, their service brand has to have CAT-DTAC or CAT-True M ove in it.

They also have to turn to mainly using CAT's international call gateway to provide overseas call service to their customers, instead of mainly using their own gateways.

Advanced Info Service, which holds a concession from TOT Plc, has already launched its 3G service on its existing 900MHz spectrum in Chiang Mai.

DTAC and True Move have kept urging CAT to allow them to develop the 3G service to catch up with AIS.

CAT's board also decided not to grant additional spectrums to its other private mobile phone service concession holder, Digital Phone, for the 3G service, given that DPC has few subscribers and has contributed little in concession fees to CAT.

DPC has requested additional 800MHz spectrum bands from CAT, citing its need to be treated on an equal basis with True Move.

Pongsapat said CAT's board also asked management to enter into negotiations with True Move on the plan to extend its concession, which expires in five years.