Using an iPhone & iPad in Thailand Tips, App Reviews and News for the iPhone and iPad by Richard Barrow

CAT tells True Move to stop 3G trial

One of the benefits of having a data plan with True Move is their 3G network. On the downside, it is mainly limited to locations in Bangkok and cities such as Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket and Maha Sarakham. However, I had noticed recently that we can also now get 3G in many places in Samut Prakan. It is strange as this extension of the 3G was not announced. Now it would seem that there was a good reason behind that silence. According to the Bangkok Post, CAT Telecom has told True Move to halt its 3G trial service instantly on the grounds that the company has breached a concession agreement. Interestingly, CAT gave True Move permission to install 656 cell sites - 543 sites in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, 22 in Chiang Mai, 42 in Chon Buri, 35 in Phuket and 35 in Maha Sarakham. But True Move had apparently sought to install another 750 sites which have yet to be approved. According to the Bangkok Post, the dispute may be sidelined by an announcement from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that it may issue three 15-year licences for 3.9G technology instead of 3G, considered an outdated 10-year-old technology. Attempts to bring third-generation wireless broadband to Thailand have been stalled for five years by changes in government and disputes over the regulator's authority to award licences. The new 3.9G service, which is 20 times faster than 3G, is expected to be available by the end of this year which would enable the country to catch up with the rest of the world.

Full article at Bangkok Post.