dtac 3G upgrade gets green light

Thailand's National Telecommunications Commission has approved dtac's plans to upgrade its existing 800MHz network with the High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or third generation services (3G). This will entail huge technological, economic and social benefits for Thailand.

CEO of dtac, Sigve Brekke, thanks the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for valuing the importance of the telecom industry of Thailand and for promoting fair competition in the business, seriously and continuously. The three benefits of 3G The NTC's approval of the 3G upgrade comes at a good time; the country needs investments in vast projects to stimulate its overall economy. The decision also helps boost the confidence of the general public and investors in the growth potential of the nation. The company believes the approval for mobile phone operators to develop 3G services will result in three advantages at the same time:

• Consumers will enjoy better and faster access to information through high-speed telecommunications networks, as people in other countries are experiencing.
• The decision benefits the overall telecommunications industry because the 3G technology will lead to active development among mobile phone operators and related entrepreneurs such as mobile phone vendors, application developers and content producers.
• The decision will contribute to national economic and social development because 3G systems will expand information access to all regions of the country, especially remote areas that are longing for efficient telecommunications and Internet networks.

Five billion baht investment plan dtac will build about 1,200 new base stations during the first phase of the upgrade plan, at an estimated cost of approximately five million baht. Initially dtac introduces 3G services in Bangkok, Phuket and Chon Buri, which are major provinces with high market demands. The company is confident that it will complete the installation and launch commercial services within one year after obtaining official approval. Further information: Esben Tuman, Communications Director, Telenor Asia tel: +66 859 18 4111
e-mail: esben@telenor.com