Briefs

Panel approves telecom proposals

The telecom committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) yesterday approved in principle the proposal of its 1,800MHz concession expiration preparation committee, including the maximum transit period of one more year for the 1,800MHz spectrum to be used to serve customers of TrueMove and Digital Phone Co (DPC) after their concession ends this September.

The NBTC will reclaim the spectrum from CAT Telecom after the concessions of TrueMove and DPC end for reallocation by means of auction.



Broadcasters submit petition

Wisut Khomwacharapong, president of the Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association, and Korkhet Chantalertluk, president of the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand, led representatives from the broadcasting industry yesterday to lodge a petition with the broadcasting regulator to further extend the timeframe for the granting of 12 public digital terrestrial TV channels from the original date in May.

They said the regulator should clarify all important details in the licensing under a "beauty contest" before the process begins and to welcome public participation for greater transparency.

Ambitious target by Teera-Mongkol

Teera-Mongkol Industry (TMI) has targeted sales growth of at least 30 per cent this year to Bt600 million.

Its revenue last year was Bt457.74 million, up 21.6 per cent year on year, with net profit of Bt32.74 million, up 65.15 per cent. Its cost of sales last year dropped to 73.04 per cent of sales revenue from 75.71 per cent in 2011.

TMI is a manufacturer of ballast, both magnetic and electronic, for fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs.



7-Catalog backs SMEs

CP All, which operates 7-Eleven convenience stores, yesterday projected 30-per-cent growth in its 7-Catalog sales this year, thanks to an increase in consumer confidence and its multiple marketing and sales-promotion strategies, such as mail-order and the branch expansions.

Ampa Yongpisanpop, vice president of CP All, said the company remained focused on the promotion of Thai products, particularly those from small and medium-sized enterprises, as they form the necessary foundation of the Thai economy. The presentation of their products in combination with those from other sources creates a level of variety that suits customers well, he said.

The main categories of products featured in 7-Catalog are those related to beauty and daily routines.

"Presently, over 40 per cent of partners to the 7-Catalog are SMEs," Ampa said.





The figure is expected to rise to 60 per cent this year. To assist suppliers in their development, 7-Catalog is collaborating with the Panyapiwat Institute of Management on scholarships for 7-Catalog partners who wish to enrol their staff in the institute's Master of Business Administration programmes in retail business management or logistics management.