DTAC reaches regulatory milestone in Thailand

(13 May, 2008) The Administrative Court of Thailand has ordered the state-owned fixed line operator TOT to negotiate an interconnection agreement with DTAC. This is the fourth consecutive ruling in favour of DTAC on this matter, and it cannot be appealed.

The court's decision
Tuesday this week the Central Administrative Court decided to dismiss the state-owned operator's application to refrain from negotiating an interconnection agreement with DTAC. The National Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NTC) has ordered TOT to initiate talks with DTAC, and as of February 2008 day fines against TOT have been accumulating.

On Thursday the board of TOT decided to comply with the court's decision and start negotiations with DTAC.

Another important step towards a fully liberalised telecoms industry
"The court order is clear and is an important step towards supporting an efficient regulatory regime in Thailand. Both investors and customers in the Thai telecom market will benefit from this positive regulatory trend," said CEO Sigve Brekke.

DTAC hopes the ruling will speed up negotiations with the remaining companies that have not yet entered into interconnection agreements.

More information in the press release from Dtac
http://www.dtac.co.th/eng/news/pressdetail.php?newsid=348?cid=130508_News_Dtac_regulatory_lenke_Dtac_pr_melding