Two leading European mobile operators have expressed interest in joining with TOT Plc to provide 3G wireless broadband services as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
Chairman Panthep Chamrasromran said one of the companies is from Norway, and both will need to seek local partners to sell 3G SIM cards on behalf of TOT.
"We've talked with the two European firms about our business plan and strategy. A conclusion will likely come about next month," he said.
Mr Panthep said the two operators have extensive experience as MVNOs, which have proved a successful business model in many markets.
An MVNO is a mobile operator that does not own its own spectrum and usually does not have its own network infrastructure.
The operators want to cooperate with TOT if the state telecom enterprise expands its 3G network coverage nationwide as planned, he added.
TOT must also comply with an international standard of service level agreement.
The state telecom plans to increase the number of its 3G base stations to 5,200 in May, with a goal of 15,000 stations in the second phase.
The TOT board last May awarded a 16-billion-baht contract to a consortium of Samart Telecom and Loxley to build a nationwide 3G network.
TOT delayed its plan to launch commercial 3G service last Nov 28, as the floods stalled construction of its base stations.
Mr Panthep said TOT is preparing new conditions for companies that want to become an MVNO.
The conditions will be negotiated instead of opening bids as planned earlier.
Members of the TOT board went to Japan last week to meet SoftBank Mobile and NTT DoCoMo to study their successful 3G services.
Earlier, TOT consulted with British Telecom to reshape its business plan, especially the future core mobile business.
TOT, through subsidiary TOT 3G, is the only operator holding a licence to provide commercial 3G mobile service on the international standard 2100-megahertz frequency.
Advanced Info Service and Total Access Communication provide 3G services on their existing 2G frequencies on high-speed packet access technology.
TOT signed contracts with five companies to provide 3G service under MVNO provisions.
They are Samart i-Mobile, Loxley, IEC Technology, 365 Communication and M Consult. Contracts will be reviewed on a yearly basis.
TOT is regrouping its MVNOs into three categories: strategic partners, conventional MVNOs and resellers.
A strategic partner will work closely with TOT in network expansion, marketing and other activities; a conventional MVNO will provide services and have its own billing system; and a reseller will sell 3G SIM cards on behalf of TOT.