Firms get WiMax go-ahead

Firms get WiMax go-ahead

POST REPORTERS

The National Telecommunications Commission has granted permits for 12 telecom operators to test WiMax wireless broadband technology.

However, it does not intend to grant licences for third-generation (3G) wireless services until the formation of its regulatory successor, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Suranant Wongvittayakamjorn, the NTC secretary-general, said the 12 operators were True Move, True Universal Communication, Siemens, Loxley, Ericsson, CAT Telecom, TOT, Samart Telcom, Trans Pacific Telecom, Triple T Broadband, Shin Satellite, and United Communication Industry.

WiMax is a wireless digital communications system intended for wireless ''metropolitan area networks''.

It can provide broadband wireless access within a radius of up to 50 kilometres for fixed stations, and 5-15 km for mobile stations.Mr Suranant said that the NTC had earlier allowed AIS, DTAC and True Move, the country's three major cellular providers, to test 3G, but commercial service could not be permitted until the NBTC was in place to grant licences.

He said that the NTC had also granted a 15-year Type 3 telecom licence to CS Loxinfo to provide wired and wireless broadband on the 2.4-2.5 Ghz bandwidth with an investment of 1.5 billion baht over 10 years.

The regulator has also granted a Type 3 licence to Sawaddee Shop to provide broadband internet.

Discussing the three vacancies on the seven-member NTC, Mr Suranant said that a 17-member selection committee was expected to meet to begin the selection process in two weeks.

He admitted that the selection process started a year ago but had proceeded slowly due to various problems. However now the selection of the 17-member committee has been completed and it could begin screening candidates for the NTC vacancies.