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Total Access Communication (DTAC) will recruit only around 100 new staff next year, down from an annual average of 500, as part of its cost reduction in the declining economy.

DTAC chief commercial officer Thana Tienachariya said yesterday most of the new staff would be involved in developing the 3G mobile broadband service, scheduled for launch in the second quarter next year.

DTAC has already selected a telecom network supplier for the 3G network, but Thana declined to specify who it is. The firm will hold a shareholders' meeting soon to approve the selection.

DTAC has pinned hopes on the 3G service to expand its market share and become its new income source. Currently DTAC employs 6,000 staff.

A source at Advanced Info Service said the company recruited only a limited number of staff this year in a bid to trim costs.