DTAC puts in own band bid

Total Access Communication (DTAC) wants to claim the right to use its two frequency bands from CAT Telecom and also the unused 900MHz spectrum of the telecom regulator.

CEO Sigve Brekke yesterday said the company would send the request to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today.

DTAC wants to replace CAT, its concession-granter, in its 1800MHz digital spectrum and 850MHz analogue spectrum. It also wants the unused 900MHz band, which is held by the NTC, to make it more efficient for DTAC to roll out its network.

DTAC is the latest cellular operator making a request, after True Move and Advanced Info Service (AIS). A telecom industrialist said DTAC was trying to pressure the NTC to bands for the whole industry, not just individual cases.

DTAC's 1800MHz service has 17 million subscribers, while its 850MHz business has about 50,000 subscribers. "Not only do we have to defend our rights, we also want to urge the NTC to come up with the national frequency plan," Brekke said.

DTAC cited the same reasons as True Move in asking to replace CAT in using the 1800MHz and 850MHz bands.

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