(The Nation via NewsEdge) Thailand's Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom has urged the new TOT board to steer the state agency's cellular operator, Thai Mobile, towards listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand this year.
He said Thai Mobile should seek funds from such a listing to invest in the rollout of a 3G broadband cellular network.
Thai Mobile is the only cellular operator in Thailand that owns a frequency in the 1900-megahertz spectrum, which is suitable for developing 3G service. As such, it can proceed immediately to develop 3G services, without waiting, like other mobile operators, for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to complete licensing regulations for 3G technology and allocate frequencies.
Thai Mobile is a joint venture between TOT and CAT Telecom. TOT is in the process of buying CAT's shares and taking full control of the company.
The official further said TOT should enable Thai Mobile to become a 3G leader.
The country's major telecom operators are eager to obtain 3G licenses so they can use the blazing speed of the new technology to provide wireless services like video-calling and interactive wireless games, thereby earning more revenues.
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