­Qualcomm Thailand country manager, Kaneungjit Suriyathumrongkul has warned that Thailand will need at least three 3G networks to ensure sufficient competition in the market. Ms Suriyathumrongkul also noted that MVNOs were an option for the country, but only if the underlying network is good and expressed concerns with the idea of a shared national network.

Asked for a prediction of what will happen with Thailand's delayed 3G licensing, Kaneungjit told the Bangkok Post that she expected that the country would see 850MHz and 900MHz 3G early next year, with 2,100MHz networks coming online in mid-2009 once the telecoms regulator issued 3G licenses.

State controlled operator, TOT plans to upgrade some 500 base stations in the capital, Bangkok and other main cities to support 3G services. The upgraded network will then be sub-let to its joint venture, ACT Mobile - which trades as Thai Mobile. A second phase of the network upgrade will result in the installation of 5,200 new 3G base stations to provide national coverage.

Kaneungjit also said that she does not agree with some analysts that Thailand should skip 3G and go straight to 4G - citing the long timeline before consumer 4G products are available.

Earlier this month, TOT signed an initial deal with another state agency, CAT Telecom, to pay THB2.4 billion ($71 million) for the right to operate the 1900 megahertz frequency, which can support 3G services. Under the memorandum of understanding, CAT has agreed to transfer its interests in joint ventures that own the frequency to TOT, both agencies said in separate statements.

Thailand's Advanced Info Service (AIS) recently launched a WCDMA network in Chiang Mai - but using its existing 900Mhz spectrum. Rival operator, DTAC has decided to delay its 3G rollout, citing a lack of customer demand.

Source:: Bangkok Post