Thai state-owned operator CAT is aiming to strike a network sharing deal with the country’s second largest operator dtac in Q2.
Dtac, the operator name of Total Access Communication (TAC), is a subsidiary of Telenor. Reportedly, CAT is conducting similar negotiations with number three player True Move. Allowing these operators to rent its network infrastructure would provide CAT with a new revenue stream, enabling it to become a network service provider as opposed to merely an operator.
Both dtac and True Move operate their 2G networks under concessions from CAT, and the state-owned firm has had ongoing issues with both operators regarding the ownership of these networks. However, at the end of last year CAT announced that it intended to resolve these issues in the coming months.
Both concessionaries claim that they should not have to transfer network assets to CAT as they operate their networks using the 1.8GHz band. Although dtac’s concession does not expire until 2018, it is currently believed to be discussing the return of certain 1.8MHz frequencies with the country’s regulator.
