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TOT seeks adviser for 3G second-phase
[February 27, 2013]

TOT seeks adviser for 3G second-phase


Feb 28, 2013 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- TOT Plc says it is seeking an adviser for the second phase of its third-generation (3G) network expansion project, which will start next month.

Chief executive Yongyuth Wattanasin said two prospective candidates _ one of them the Prime Street Group, TOT's first-phase adviser _ have submitted project proposals to the state telecom enterprise.

TOT has already started initial work to add an additional 12,000 to 15,000 base stations nationwide, mainly on land it owns.

Mr Yongyuth said the adviser must be able to arrange funding sources, technical support and business models.

It must also ensure that TOT's 3G network expansion proposal receives speedy parliamentary approval.

Unlike in phase 1, the company must quickly expand its 3G network efficiently and with no delays, said Mr Yongyuth.

TOT hired SL Consortium comprising Samart and Loxley to install 5,300 base stations in the first phase.



Mr Yongyuth said the state enterprise has postponed the launch of commercial 3G service on the 2100-megahertz frequency too many times, as it has not been able to complete construction of 5,300 3G base stations on time.

TOT last week kicked off its commercial 3G service nationwide with 4,100 base stations, rising to 5,300 in May.


Mr Yongyuth said TOT will soon send letters to all relevant agencies asking for collaboration on installing 3G sites in the second phase at the company's own locations. TOT will allow these agencies to access its 3G service on certain bandwidths for free.

"We need to become a national network provider to survive once our concession revenue vanishes," he said.

___ (c)2013 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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