Private operators support concession termination

Private mobile operators in Thailand are supporting the government's plan to change concessions into licences but seek more details. Advanced Info Service's (AIS) chief executive Wichien Mektrakarn said the company supports the plan in principle but said more details need to be provided about the plan, the Nation reports. The company also confirmed it will definitely seek a 3G licence in the upcoming auction. True also said it would support the termination of the concessions and also urged the government to provide more details, while DTAC said industry reform was essential and that it is better to start moving than standing still. Senior executive vice president Montchai Noosong of state-owned operator TOT said that the concession termination plan should not adversely affect existing mobile subscribers. A member of the government panel looking into the concession termination plan said the panel will reach a conclusion shortly on whether there is a legal avenue for the plan to go ahead.