CAT backs AIS for 3G network

he would inform the Information and Communications Technology Ministry of the state agency's support for AIS. The move is to ensure that all mobile-phone service operators will be on the same wavelength in terms of 3G development.

However, CAT will not support AIS if the company's subsidiary, Digital Phone (DPC), decides to take legal action against CAT following its refusal to provide 800 MHz spectrum for DPC to develop the 3G service.

TOT owns AIS's concession, while CAT owns DPC, Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move concessions.

DPC has mulled taking legal action after CAT allocated the 800 MHz spectrum for True Move to develop a 3G service and permitted DTAC to upgrade the network to offer a 3G service.

Yesterday the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) allowed CAT to join with DTAC and True Move to readjust their use of the 800 MHz spectrum bands as requested by CAT.

The readjustment will create a 5 MHz bandwidth within the 800 MHz spectrum that CAT will award to True Move, which only has the 1800 MHz spectrum. Next week, the NTC's board will consider a request by CAT for DTAC and True Move to upgrade their networks to the 3G technology.

AIS began a 3G service on its 900 MHz spectrum in Chiang Mai in May but later cancelled the plan to expand the service to cover Bangkok in June, citing spectrum constraints.