While the first auction of the third generation mobile networks will be arriving within a few weeks. NTC is trying to induce people to interesting in the 3G technology by held an event called "3.9G Thailand Human D.N.A." at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event target end users particularly and NTC is trying to tell people how it important for Thai people to be able to access 3G technology.

Meanwhile, the auction has been filled with many obstacles, both CAT and TOT are very unhappy about having more competition in the market. CAT's employees union try to sue NTC to block it from held the auction but the complaint rejected by the court. From the users perspective, Thailand never have 3G service prior to this forthcoming auction but, in fact, both TOT and CAT have been awarded the licenses long time ago. Struggled by their own working process, both TOT and CAT just can not improve the network coverage to the usable range. CAT has been developed CDMA network with EVDO technology for awhile but not in the central of Thailand for the network has been operated by Hutch. TOT, on the other hand, deployed the HSDPA network within very limited central of Bangkok. While the network is quite far from being ready, TOT got five companies to act as its' MVNOs in and sale SIM card to user. Most users are not happy with the service and usage rate is very low, many MVNOs are trying to give away the SIM card as of now.

So the auction is the hope for Thai people to be able to access 3G service with a nation-wide coverage. The "3.9G Thailand Human D.N.A." is a starting point for people to aware of its' importance and back NTC to conduct the auction.

Not just 3G, its all about license

3G network in Thailand may not have to wait for this long if both CAT and TOT have not enjoyed the revenues from its franchisees for a long time. Thailand's communication industry use concessions from TOT and CAT to make private companies able to do mobile businesses. The 3G auction is the first time the industry will be shifted from concessions to licenses and paying the government a fixed price instead of revenue sharing.

Keep checking Blognone's english forum, I will update coverages on the auction frequently.