AIS may defer 3G service
Advanced Info Service might hold back the development of its 3G mobile broadband business due to low demand and doubts on financial feasibility from shareholders.
AIS president Wichian Mektrakarn said yesterday that stockholders want to put primary focus on conventional 2G cellular service. Shin Corp owns 42.67 per cent of AIS, while Singapore Telecom controls 19.18 per cent.
A telecom analyst said that it is good idea for the largest cellular operator to retain its capital and be more cautious on investment, given that people are not in the mood to spend on a new mobile data service in these times of economic difficulty.
But Tore Johnsen, CEO of Total Access Communication Plc (DTAC), said DTAC will still go ahead with the plan to complete the 3G network in the first phase by the second-quarter.
DTAC plans to spend around Bt1.2 billion each year for three years on the 3G network rollout in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Phuket.
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