True move could have 3G partner

CEO Supachai Chearavanont said the partner's equity stake would be limited to 25 per cent.

The National Telecommunica-tions Commission (NTC) is expected to finish drawing up the licensing terms and conditions for the 2.1GHz 3G service this year.

Meanwhile, True Move will spend Bt5 billion over two years to implement a 3G service nationwide on its 800MHz spectrum.

It has to repay Bt8 billion to Bt9 billion in debt, so its financial situation will be better next year, Supachai said.

"We're not doing the 3G service just as a market test but on a serious commercial basis to support the group's businesses," he said.

Besides True Move, True Corp's other businesses are Internet service-provider True Internet and pay-TV operator True Visions.

True Move recently received 5MHz from the 800MHz spectrum to launch the 3G service, but it has CAT Telecom for 5MHz more bandwidth from the same spectrum.

Supachai said part of the new 3G network would be supplied by Chinese telecom-vendor Huawei Technologies.

Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) kicked off its 3G service in Chiang Mai in May but recently gave up its plan to launch the service in Bangkok, citing constraints on its 900MHz spectrum. AIS will seek a new spectrum to offer 3G service in Bangkok.

Total Access Communication has earmarked Bt5 billion to develop 3G service on its existing 800MHz spectrum, which will debut in Phuket and Chon Buri, followed by Bangkok.

Digital Phone Co, the cellular subsidiary of AIS, has asked CAT for 800MHz spectrum bands to develop a 3G service, but CAT has yet to respond.