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Tag: true

  • TOT ready to take over True’s fixed operations

    TOT ready to take over True’s fixed operations

    Thai state-owned operator TOT is ready to take over concessionaire True Corporation’s fixed line operations upon the expiry of the concession agreement in October.

    TOT has spent months preparing the operational procedures that will be needed to take over the provision of services to around 1.2 million customers.

    As part of Thailand’s transition to a licensing regime, the 25-year build-operate transfer concession agreement will be allowed to expire on October 26. True had been paying 18% of its total revenue to TOT under this concession.

    Once the concession expires True will transfer its fixed line network assets and customers to TOT.

    The operator will lose fixed line service revenue of around 2 billion baht ($57.7 million) per year, while TOT expects to be able to realise revenues of 2.8 billion baht per year from the assets.

    TOT plans to start writing to True customers in July informing them of the scheduled takeover of the fixed line operations. The state operator already has its own fixed line business, with around 3.4 million subscribers nationwide.

    According to the report, TOT meanwhile plans to spend around 400 million baht this year on fixed line maintenance and repair.

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  • Thai telcos bracing for a challenging 2017

    Thai telcos bracing for a challenging 2017

    After a rough 2016 there is no respite in sight for Thailand’s telecoms sector, with operators still dealing with heavy costs accrued from recent 4G auctions, strict competition and OTT challengers.

    AIS CEO Somchai Lertsuthivong as stating that he has never seen as challenging a year for the mobile sector as 2016, after nearly three decades of experience.

    AIS and DTAC, which together have a revenue market share of around 80%, have both cut their financial forecasts for 2016 as a result of these challenges.

    AIS expects to report an eibtda margin decline of between 37% and 38% in 2016 from 45.6% in 2015 due to the rising costs as well as one-off expenses related to the shutdown of its 2G network. Dtac expects its ebitda margin to decline to 27% to 30% compared to 31.8% in 2015.

    Operators expect 2017 to be just as challenging. As well as high spectrum costs, operators have had to grapple with a surge in operating costs as they offered heavy subsidies including free 4G handsets to lure customers.

    The sector will also have to deal with surging data consumption as 4G take-up increases. According to the report, Dtac plans to transition away from competing on price with heavy subsidies, and instead compete by offering a superior customer experience.

    AIS is meanwhile responding to the OTT threat by pursuing more digital partnerships with local content providers and businesses. Operators are also exploring partnering with cable providers to offer triple-play services bundling internet, telephone and TV.

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  • AIS, True must launch low-cost 4G SIMs for poor

    AIS, True must launch low-cost 4G SIMs for poor

    Thailand’s telecoms regulator NBTC has issued an order requiring AIS and True Move to provide low-cost 4G SIMs for disabled and low-income citizens.

    The order is based on the terms of the licenses for 1800-MHz and 900-MHz 4G spectrum won by the two operators in an auction last year.

    As per the order, low-cost 4G SIMs must provide tariffs at least 10% cheaper than the maximum cap on 4G voice and data tariffs imposed by the regulator.

    Caps in the 1800-MHz and 900-MHz bands have been set at 0.69 baht ($0.019) per minute for voice calls and 0.26 baht per megabyte for data services.

    The new low-cost SIMs will need to be available by March, and the operators will be required to design a process to meet this deadline.

    The NBTC is yet to set definitions of disabled and low-income for the purposes of determining eligibility for the discount plans, but has suggested that low-income may be defined as earning less than 10,000 baht ($281) per month.

    According to NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith, last year’s 900-MHz and 1800-MHz auctions had the explicit purpose of bridging the digital divide, and all Thais must be able to benefit from national resources including spectrum.

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  • Dtac, True slam new computer crime bill

    Dtac, True slam new computer crime bill

    Legal representatives from both TrueMove and Dtac have slammed the new computer misuse act for moving the burden of proof to ISPs to prove their innocence while True said that the Single Gateway government mass surveillance program was still alive and well.

    Speaking at a recent seminar entitled Online life: which way shall we go, Akarawit Jongsawasdiworakul from Dtac’s legal division said that unlike the US’ common carrier law, Thailand’s computer misuse act article 15 puts telcos at risk of criminal prosecution for the actions of their subscribers as service providers face the same criminal liability as their users for, say, an illegal posting.

    Dtac has to invest significant resources into monitoring its users to stay safe legally, resources that could have better been invested in 5G, he said.

    Unlike most aiding and abetting clauses in Thai law in which the aider gets two-thirds of the punishment, the computer misuse act doles out the same punishment to the service provider as it does to the criminal using it.

    However, the latest draft amendment is much worse. In trying to fix that glaring problem, the new version lays out a system where authorities can issue orders to service providers to block the offending post. The law then goes on to say that if the service provider can prove they complied with the order, then they are exempted from any punishment.

    Akarawit said that the computer misuse act shifts the burden of proof. Instead of the prosecution proving guilt, the service providers will now have to prove their innocence to a court.

    He also noted that under the current law, censorship orders must be only via a court order. The new version only needs an order from a “the official in charge” without any judicial oversight.

    Suporn Hornchaiya from True’s legal division, added that the definition of service provider is so vague that anyone with an unsecured WiFi hotspot would be subjected to the full force of the law.

    Suporn said that today authorities use article 20 to block websites, not just those which are a threat to national security or good morals which are allowed under the law, but also use it to block gambling websites and copyright infringement sites which is not allowed under the law. He noted that courts regularly grant blocking orders for the latter.

    Suporn said True has in the past appealed a court order, but the appeal was not accepted as the courts said that True was not an affected party to the blocking order.

  • Nokia boosts True’s broadband network

    Nokia boosts True’s broadband network

    True Group in Thailand has deployed Nokia’s IP/MPLS routing technology to upgrade its broadband infrastructure in Bangkok.

    Surging demand for ultra-broadband fixed and mobile services, such as high-definition video and business services, have helped drive a dramatic increase in data traffic across True’s converged network, both in the city and its surrounding area.

    True is using Nokia’s IP routing technology to modernize its broadband infrastructure to improve the quality of experience and better support the growing high-bandwidth content demands of consumers and businesses.

    Nokia’s Service Router portfolio helps True to provide 4G LTE and 3G coverage to its 18 million mobile subscribers, high speed broadband to its 2.5 million broadband subscribers, and pay TV service to its 3.2 million TrueVision customers. The network upgrade was completed in May 2016.

    True can leverage Nokia’s infrastructure in the future to evolve to more dynamic agile services powered by Software Defined Networks and Network Functions Virtualization.

    True is using Nokia 7750 Service Routers (7750 SR) in Bangkok with the 7210 service access switch (SAS) being deployed in the northeast, east and central west regions of Thailand.

    “By leveraging Nokia’s expertise and leading routing technology,  we are able to provide seamless 4G LTE and 3G coverage along with quality, high-speed broadband data, voice and TV services to our mobile and fixed customers,” said Vichaow Rakphongphairoj, deputy CEO of operational development at True. “We can also deliver advanced high-speed residential, business and mobile services even more quickly and efficiently.”

  • NBTC to sue TrueMove, AIS for profit owed

    NBTC to sue TrueMove, AIS for profit owed

    Thailand’s telecoms regulator is in a race against time to sue TrueMove and AIS for profit owed during the final days of the 2G concession.

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission telecoms sub-board has recommended the full board sue TrueMove and DPC (an AIS subsidiary) for $30.6 million (1069.98 million baht) and $17.9 million (627.64 million baht) for all profit during the so-called consumer protection phase of their 2G concessions.

    The non-extendable concessions expired in 2013 but were extended to protect consumers until March this year, under the condition that all profit be returned to the state, not just the 30% revenue share under concession terms.

    Previously the NBTC had decided only to sue TrueMove, but because of a fear that they may be viewed as biased, the board this week issued a new recommendation to the full board to sue both True and DPC (AIS).

    The lawsuit must be filed before September 18 as it is when the statute of limitations expires.

    Elsewhere the NBTC is to set up a committee to investigate a data breach by AIS which involved an AIS employee leaking customer information and call logs. The matter made a big splash on social media earlier this week and AIS responded by firing their staff responsible.

    However, NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasit said that AIS might face a maximum penalty of cancellation of its license due to the breach, and executives may be jailed up to two years.

    The committee will convene for the first time on 19 September.

    Elsewhere as expected, Thailand has transformed its ICT Ministry into the new Digital Ministry for Society and Economy.

    The DMSE act also sets up what is colloquially called the Digital Economy Commission, though now formally it is, strictly translated, the Office of the Digital Commission for Society and the Economy which will be chaired by the Prime Minister.

    A number of bureaus that used report to the ICT Ministry’s Permanent Secretary are now to report to the DE Commission – Space Affairs Bureau, ICT Promotion Bureau, e-Government Promotion Bureau and ICT Industry Promotion Bureau.

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  • TrueMove to be ordered to set up Pokemon no-go zones

    TrueMove to be ordered to set up Pokemon no-go zones

    Thailand’s telecom regulator has summoned Pokemon master license holder True for urgent meetings today (9 August) and will order True to communicate with the franchise holder to set up Pokemon no-go zones.

    Dtac has confirmed it has also been summoned to give evidence about Pokemon to the NBTC. It is understood that AIS will also be present.

    NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasit further said that Pokemon have been appearing in inappropriate places such as hospitals, monasteries and government offices and this has led to chaos as players enter to try and catch them.

    Takorn said that Pokemon Go poses a threat to national security and has led to traffic mayhem.

    Royal Thai Police deputy spokesperson Pol Col Krisana Patanacharoen has called Pokemon Go a national security risk with people entering secure government facilities to hunt down Pokemon. He also said that anyone caught playing the game while driving will be prosecuted and fined.

    The only voice calling for reason came from Education Minister General Daopong Rattanasuwan. General Daopong said he would begin his own Pokemon Journey and play the game before passing judgement though he said it was unlikely he would order a ban on the game.

    “If you do not play Pokemon Go yourself, you will not understand the game. I have heard it is good for exercise,” the general said, referring to the distances of up to 10 km trainers have to walk in order to hatch a Pokemon egg.

    Earlier the Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat came out against Pokemon in religious and historic sites as inappropriate and Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said it was illegal to enter polling stations to catch Pokemon.

    On the other hand, the Sports and Tourism permanent secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra welcomed Pokemon Go and said that they would place Pokemon and Pokestops at key historic sites to promote tourism. The election commission also warned that catching Pokemon in polling stations is illegal.

    ICT Minister Uttama Savanayana has not made a formal comment for or against Pokemon, but he has spent the day re-tweeting news about Pokemon no-go signs across the globe which suggests he is also anti-Pokemon.

    What is clear is that none of the people in power in Thailand have any clue about how the actual game mechanics work. Nor has anyone clarified what rights, if any, True’s Pokemon license gives it over Niantic Labs’ Pokemon Go.

    NBTC secretary-general Takorn compounded his act of total cluelessness by saying that the game needed to be adapted to Thailand as Thai pavements are narrower than in Japan.

    Takorn clearly believes that Nintendo of Japan created Pokemon Go and placed the Pokestops. California-based Niantic, until recently a Google subsidiary, developed the game and the Pokestops are simply re-used sites from its other augmented-reality game, Ingress the vast majority of which are user-submitted.

    True is the master license holder of the Pokemon franchise in Thailand granted by the Pokemon Company back in December 2014. This includes merchandise and TV rights for TrueVisions, but not the right for a game which was made clear when they first held a press conference about the partnership.

    However the telco has recently said the license includes the rights to Pokemon Go, according to True’s head of content Peerathon Kasemsri. True CEO Supachai Chearavanont said there would be special in-game items for TrueMove subscribers and perhaps even a unique Thai Pokemon. None of that has happened.

    When Pokemon go was launched in Thailand through the Apple and Google stores, all telcos had equal access to the game.

    For its part, TrueMove is running a big Pokemon Go promotion campaign under a slogan, “True home of Pokemon” but other than offering an e-book and a Pokemon-branded data package for trainers (which is a simple 5 GB data package that is in any way special or tied to Pokemon Go), nothing exclusive has been launched yet to tap into its Pokemon franchise master license.

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  • ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM teams up with True Group to build True ICONSIAM Hall

    ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., the developer of ICONSIAM – the iconic new landmark of Thailand, and True Group, the convergence lifestyle leader which offers a full range of communication services and solutions, today, is building “True ICONSIAM Hall” , an advanced world-class venue complete with the best innovation and technology and world-class international standard design worthy of being called 1 of the 7 Wonders of ICONSIAM – a first-in-Thailand and a first-in-the-world phenomenon.

    True ICONSIAM Hall was born out of the vision of ICONSIAM and True Group, one a leader in the real estate and retail industry, and the other a leader in technology, which never ceases to introduce innovations to their national-scale projects and businesses in order to promote Thailand’s reputation on the world stage.  This time, they joined together to bring the best of Thailand to the world with the creation of “True ICONSIAM Hall”, an advanced, world-class international conference and exhibition centre, the first of its kind on the Chao Phraya River, in the ICONSIAM project.

    H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “In Thailand, MICE is a service sector that brings in a lot of quality tourists and generates enormous revenues for the country.  It also has a major role in income distribution to related sectors such as hotels, restaurants, conference centres and exhibition centres.  Foreign travellers for MICE activities in Thailand, on average, spend two to three times more than tourists in general.  The partnership between ICONSIAM and True Group to build “True ICONSIAM Hall” is a good sign that the private sector has joined the government sector to support and promote tourism and MICE in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world.”

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM has a commitment to give Thailand an important position on the world stage. ICONSIAM then joins forces with True Group to create “True ICONSIAM Hall” aiming to promote and elevate the standard of MICE and show business in Thailand as we work to make the country a hub for world conference and show performance – a fully integrated one with the highest potential and the most outstanding in Asia.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” which is worth more than Bht 2,000 million investment has an area of 12,000 square metres and a capacity of 3,000 seats and is situated on ICONSIAM’s Floor 7 and 7M overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Chao Phraya River. It will be an advanced world-class venue for international conference and show performance complete with the best innovation and technology comprises:

    – The First Time Ever Retractable Seating System in Thailand:  seats are automatically folded away by the latest advanced technology to suit all ranges of customer’s venue requirements and save time for all event arrangements. Each seat has the best view and is equipped with all sorts of communication such as advanced translation system, Wifi system, Microphone etc.

    -The Best Acoustic Tri-wall Panel System, the First Time in South East Asia: With automatically adjustable wall panels and ceiling panels in 3 types being equipped with the aesthetic sound absorbing system to accommodate all types of performance and assembly such as conference, world class performance, and concert will offer each audience seating enjoyable experience for watching and listening to the most sophisticated ever seen before.

    – Stage Rigging System for scene changes of the world’s performance and special wall which is movable to meet the platform edge of the stage to create the most completed atmosphere of the performance and to provide a different experience every time it shows.

    “True ICONSIAN Hall” will be an international conference hub of Asia and will attract world-class performances to Thailand supporting all event arrangements as follow:

    1. International Conference such as G20 Summit, ASEAN Summit, APEC, OPEC, medical meetings and conferences, to accommodate up to 3,000 attendees. There are also medium and small meeting rooms to accommodate small meetings.
    2. World Class Performance such as Broadway show, musical show, Opera, ballet and Thailand’s cultural performance which is Royal Khon Performance.
    3. World Class Concert such as Orchestra and concerts by leading Thai and international artists.
    4. International Exhibition After conference chairs are kept automatically supporting by fully public utility system, this will be the first time in Thailand to accommodate proudly a global fair such as Maison Object, Millionaire Show, Luxury Lifestyle Exhibition.
    5. Special Event such as major sporting tournaments (sport show), Haute couture fashion shows, international competition, awards ceremony, product launches, international film festival etc.
    6. Catering can accommodate all types of catering up to 3,000 attendees and is fully equipped with food preparation rooms and banquet facilities such as various party occasions, wedding receptions etc. among the spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River.

    “True ICONSIAM Hall” is situated on a prime landmark location of the world on the Chao Phraya River surrounded by 3-5 star hotels with more than 10,000 rooms and is connected with the most complete transportation (road-rail-river) system in Thailand, which will make it convenient for a large number of visitors.  In particular, waterway transportation on the Chao Praya River from the surrounding hotels is easily reached “True ICONSIAM Hall” in a short time, within no more than 20 minutes and is also commuted from Siam Area by BTS Sky Train’s Green Line and Gold Line with less than 18 minutes.

    Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc, said the partnership is one True is proud of because it allows True to play a part in strengthening the country’s MICE industry to make it outstanding and a pride of the nation in the world community. “True ICONSIAM Hall” clearly reflects the vision of the two organizations, both ICONSIAM and True Group, in committing to bring their expertise and leadership in the business to jointly create the best thing to happen in Thailand. “True ICONSIAM Hall” will open a new dimension for the era’s most advanced world-class centre for international conferences and exhibitions with exceptional location, special and superior functions, the most modern technology in communication and the content leader and wide variety of media of True Group will combine experience and impression for exhibitors and visitors. We are confident that “True ICONSIAM Hall” will be able to attract the exhibitors for MICE and tourists from around the world in order to stimulate revenue generation for the country and give the economy a driver in line with the government’s policy to synergize all stakeholders to make Thailand a MICE destination of the region and the world. Moreover, it will also reflect the potential of Thailand with its readiness to be a hub of regional tourism helping drive Thailand to be an outstanding country in Asia in hosting all kinds of world-class events.

    True ICONSIAM Hall will be ready to open within 2018.

  • Thailand’s big three cellcos oppose tariff caps

    Thailand’s big three cellcos oppose tariff caps

    Thailand’s three largest mobile operators – AIS, Dtac and True Move – have united to oppose current regulations capping tariffs for 3G and 4G services.

    The operators brought up their opposition a group discussion with regulator NBTC on Monday.

    Revising the regulations would encourage greater competition and stimulate the further development of mobile networks and services, the operators claimed.

    They have argued that existing caps have diminished the development of service packages, distorted price mechanisms and impeded the operation of an open and competitive market.

    Currently the NBTC caps the maximum 3G tariff at 0.82 baht ($0.02) per minute for voice service, 1.33 baht per SMS, 3.32 baht for MMS and 0.28 baht for data services. The equivalent 4G limits are 0.69 baht, 1.15 baht, 3.11 baht and 0.26 baht respectively.

    A representative for Dtac stated that other mobile markets with the same level of development as Thailand do not impose tariff caps, and noted that tariffs in Thailand are among the lowest in the ASEAN region.

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  • True Corp deploys world’s largest 4T4R 4.5G network

    True Corp deploys world’s largest 4T4R 4.5G network

    Thailand’s True Corporation has deployed what it says is the world’s largest commercial 4-transmit-4-receiver (4T4R) 4.5G network using Huawei RAN technology.

    Huawei provided its SingleRAN 4T4R technology for the rollout. To date True Corporation’s wireless division True Move has deployed over 6,300 4T4R sites

    Announcing the deployment, Huawei said compared to conventional 2T2R networks, the deployment has improved downlink throughput at cell edge by over 38% and uplink throughput by 50%.

    True Corp is conducting the deployment to support Thailand’s booming demand for mobile data. Currently Thailand’s most common data charge model involves unlimited monthly packages and data usage per subscriber exceeds 1GB.

    “Spectrum is extremely precious resource for all operators. Any technology which improves the spectrum efficiency attracts operators.” True Corporation executive advisor Steven Christopher Hopcraft said.

    “[The] 4T4R solution improves the spectrum efficiency, and that’s the reason why True chose 4T4R. Along with the mature ecosystem, we think that the deployment of 4T4R is a wise choice.”

    In January, True Move revealed that it will spend 56 billion baht ($1.59 billion) this year to roll out an LTE-Advanced network covering 97% of the population.

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  • Thailand will tighten call drop regulations

    Thailand will tighten call drop regulations

    Thai regulator NBTC will introduce stricter standards governing the quality of mobile signals in an effort to address a growing number of complaints related to dropped calls.

    The NBTC will amend current regulations, which require operators not to exceed a dropped call rate of 15% across all calls, to instead require operators to maintain this rate in each of Thailand’s service areas.

    The new regulations, which are expected to come into effect in September, have been implemented in response to the fact that in more busy service areas with congested traffic dropped call rates are much higher than the average.

    In addition to the new regulation, the NBTC has given five mobile operators – AIS, Dtac, True Move, CAT Telecom and TOT – 15 days to resolve their dropped call problems.

    According to the report as of May there were 994 complaints involving dropped calls from AIS, 497 from Dtac, 386 from True Move, 32 from CAT and seven from TOT. Complaints are picking up now operators are focusing on customer acquisition strategies to maximize their 4G investments.

    Indian regulator Trai is also focusing heavily on the issue of call drops.

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  • TrueMove backs out of 900-MHz auction

    TrueMove backs out of 900-MHz auction

    Thai mobile operator TrueMove has decided not to participate in the upcoming 900-MHz auction on May 27 after all.

    The decision was made public late last night in a leaked filing to the stock market regulator. Dtac had already announced it was not participating, which would likely leave AIS as the sole bidder in the auction.

    The auction for 10 MHz of 900-MHz spectrum will start at $2.1 billion, the last price by Jasmine in the December auction before it forfeited its deposit after being unable to raise funds to pay for the licence.

    The letter to the Securities Exchange Commission said that following the board’s meeting on May 16, True’s board has decided not to participate in the auction. True already has enough high frequency spectrum for capacity (on 1800 and 2100-MHz) and low frequency spectrum for coverage (850 via CAT and 900) to meet demand. True has a total of 55 MHz of spectrum which is enough for 2G, 3G and 4G services.

    Just days earlier at a panel organized by Thailand’s IT Press Club NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasit strenuously defended “his” decision to include True in the auction. “I have listened to every side of the argument. Whatever decision I make, it is possible I will be investigated and may face jail,” he said.

    Takorn also announced at the ITPC panel that AIS had decided to participate in the auction.

    Takorn had indeed decided to include True, but that decision was overturned by the NBTC board on spectrum cap grounds. The NBTC board in turn was overturned by the junta using article 44, the absolute power clause, in the interim constitution.

    Junta order 16/2559 section one paragraph 3 clearly states that the NBTC is to hold the auction in a way that is fair for the benefit to the state and to the people or to ensure competition. In order to do so the NBTC may amend any regulations needed but it has to report to, and receive authorization from, the leader of the national council for peace and order.

    The leader of the NCPO is Prime Minister General Prayut Chanocha.

    With Dtac firmly against participating in the auction at the elevated price, the need for a competition was used to overturn the NBTC board and allow True back in for more 900-MHz spectrum.

    Prime Minister and Junta leader Prayut Chanocha is currently in Russia so any decision is likely to be deferred until he gets back.

    All eyes are now on AIS which is understood to be convening its board to make a decision today (May 17) whether or not to participate in the auction.

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  • AIS abandons plan to rent TrueMove’s 2G network

    AIS abandons plan to rent TrueMove’s 2G network

    Thailand’s AIS and TrueMove have abandoned plans to enter a mobile network rental agreement after being unable to accept mutually agreed upon terms.

    AIS no longer intends to rent TrueMove’s 900-MHz network to allow it to continue serving its 900-MHz 2G customers in the wake of the expiration of its 900-MHz license, telecoms regulator NBTC’s secretary-general told.

    The two operators had been negotiating a network rental agreement since mid-April, concentrating on network roaming on the 900-MHz spectrum and customer migration between AIS’s and TrueMove’s networks.

    The government had been encouraging AIS to rent True Move’s existing network to allow it to retain some of its existing 2G customers in order to end a dispute over an extension of AIS’s use of its 900-MHz network.

    AIS is reportedly also facing government pressure to hand over 8 million 2G customers to TrueMove to free up the 900-MHz spectrum due to be re-auctioned on May 27.

    But AIS intends to participate in the auction, and may therefore be able to secure the spectrum needed to ensure service continuity.

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  • Thailand’s AIS faces $71k fine per day

    Thailand’s AIS faces $71k fine per day

    Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has written to AIS warning of $71,114 (2.5 million Baht) a day fines unless they complete the handover of 300,000 subscribers to TrueMove under the mobile number portability system by May 10th.

    Thai language daily Thairath reported that AIS has refused to release the subscribers due to incomplete or erroneous documentation. The story also said that AIS had no problems with Dtac all valid Dtac porting requests had been completed.

    Earlier we reported on how the government was trying to force AIS to sign an MOU with True and allow the NBTC to step in with the final say on MNP with no recourse of appeal.

    AIS did not respond to request for comment by the time of going to press.

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  • Thai government leans on AIS to surrender 8m users to True

    Thai government leans on AIS to surrender 8m users to True

    A newspaper report has accused deputy prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasit and ICT Minister Uttama Savanayana of trying to strongarm AIS into handing over 8 million 2G customers to TrueMove in a meeting last week.

    In a report, Thai-language newspaper Manager said that the three – along with ICT Permanent Secretary Songporn Komolsuradej, AIS CEO Somchai Lertsutiwong and True CEO Supachai Chearavanont – recently held a meeting in which Takorn had drafted an MOU for the participants to sign.

    The MOU would force AIS to sign a new roaming agreement with True and scrap its current 2G roaming agreement with Dtac. Another key point was that it would also give the NBTC oversight and jurisdiction in number portability from AIS to TrueMove. The MOU allegedly stipulated that the NBTC’s judgement in this matter would be final and there would no appeal.

    The report said that Takorn kept trying to coerce the AIS CEO into signing the MOU but Somchai refused, saying he had to consult with his board first and that besides there was no need as of yet as AIS was going to bid for the 900-MHz spectrum and even if that failed, they had the 2G roaming agreement with Dtac.

    Manager quoted the MICT source as saying the NBTC-drafted MOU clearly was illegal not just under NBTC’s own laws, but under Thailand’s WTO obligations.

    Manager quoted another anonymous source in the NBTC saying that the meeting was called under the orders of the “big boss” who wants the matter to be done and dusted as soon as possible. The source also highlighted conflict of interest pointing out that Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu’s son was now working at one of AIS’ competitors.

    Wissanu’s son, Dr Witchaya Krea-ngam, is currently a specialist for government relations at True Corporation.

    The draft MOU has also been leaked online by someone calling themselves @NBTCnews on Twitter.

    Earlier the issue of number portability had descended into a fierce war with True launching an aggressive campaign and paperless MNP request system that Dtac and AIS refused to acknowledge as legally binding. The NBTC ordered Dtac and AIS to accept the paperless porting requests, to which the two telcos stood their ground saying they would obey the law.

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