Govt panel needs over 1 month to review 3G licensing

The Thai government committee studying the conversion of concession contracts to licences will need at least one month to study the current legal agreements before operators can launch 3G services. The comment was made by prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in his weekly radio and TV address. Abhisit said he realised people wanted 3G services implemented as soon as possible and admitted the delay has put Thailand behind several other countries. The prime minister expects it will take over one month before bidding for 3G licences can start, the Bangkok Post reports. Abhisit reiterated that the government is concerned that bidding for 3G spectrum could affect current concessions, and wants to convert the system into a licensing scheme.