Bangkok--20 Nov--PR SOLUTION
True Move, the mobile subsidiary of True Corporation Plc, has announced that in keeping with the spirit of industry reform recommended by Government regulator NTC it has reached agreement with DTAC to start paying interconnection charges (IC). This is the first step in leading Thailand to an environment of free and fair competition in line with international practice.
We believe this new method of connection will prove a key element in resolving the problems of unfair competition, and will bring benefits to Thai consumers by creating a level playing field.
This is also a follow-up move to the letter submitted last week by True Move and DTAC to the NTC and ICT Ministry calling on them to correct four major imbalances in the industry which give the largest mobile player AIS unfair advantages over other operators. These imbalances run counter to telecom liberalization and will cause long-term damage to the industry and the Thai economy.
The issues cited were access charges, a reduction in revenue share, an end to price dumping, and the introduction of number portability.
True Move and DTAC signed an interconnection contract in line with NTC IC regulations announced in May, which have provided the impetus for changes to historical arrangements under which operators connect to each others’ networks. The signing of this agreement is a first step and heralds a new era of fair competition and benefits for the Thai telecommunications industry, in line with international practice.
True CEO and President Mr Supachai Chearavanont said: “True Move supports the NTC regulations on the new method of IC payments and as one of the operators working under the NTC regulations we are ready to implement them. We are prepared to meet the NTC’s requirements, and all operators should do the same, and be subject to the same conditions.
“The new method of IC payments is the first step in the process of Thai telecommunications reform. The IC contract between True Move and DTAC will be a major factor in leading to free and fair competition among all operators.
“Most importantly, this will ensure that Thai consumers benefit from higher service quality and greater network coverage because each operator will be able to connect their networks directly to each other making interconnection payments based on the volume and direction of calls among them.”
Every operator will have to compete to improve their network quality and service to give the most benefit to consumers and the Thai people. This will mean Thai telecommunications has greater opportunities for innovation and reaching international standards, which will benefit the Thai economy and the whole of Thai society.
The new method of connecting networks will reflect the real costs of traffic volume among operators’ networks. This will stimulate competition, encourage improvement of network quality, drive the market mechanism and maximize consumer benefits. Moreover, the network coverage will expand nationwide and provide quality access to all.
For more information, please contact:
PR Department, True Group
Pimolpan Siriwongwan-ngarm Tel: +66 (0) 2699 2772 Email: [email protected]
Sisadhi Reuben Tel: +66 (0) 2643-2463 Email: [email protected]
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