CAT Telecom intends to introduce third-generation (3G) services on its CDMA mobile network installed by Huawei Technologies in 51 provinces by the end of this year in order to keep pace with market leader Advanced Info Service.

Jirayu Roongsrithong, the state enterprise's mobile business unit head, said CAT was ready to focus on 3G expansion now that it had sold its interest in the Thai Mobile joint venture to TOT.

He said that an auction would be called next month for repeater equipment worth an estimated 870 million baht to expand the current coverage area of the CDMA network which currently covers 80 percent of residential areas. The goal is to build its customer base to 180,000 by the end of this year from 80,000 at present.

Mr Jirayu said that CAT had the highest-potential network with 1,600 base stations already installed by Huawei. AIS provides 3G but with limited coverage and only in Chiang Mai.

DTAC and True Move are still awaiting permission from the National Telecommunications Commission to import their 3G hardware.

CAT also operates CDMA service provided under the Hutch brand in 25 central provinces including Bangkok. It has signed an agreement with Hutchison to allow the joint venture Hutchison CAT Wireless Multimedia to be the sole marketer for CDMA services nationwide.

In exchange, the joint venture will transfer ownership of Hutchison's network worth 40 billion baht in the 25 provinces to CAT free of charge, and shoulder all accumulated debts of Hutch.

Source:redorbit