True Corporation looks set to vie for three digital terrestrial TV licences in a strategic move to consolidate its cable TV business following the challenge of dark horse CTH.
The country's leading telecom conglomerate is also set to expand its mobile and cable TV networks to Myanmar this year, said chief executive Suphachai Chearavanont.
True will unveil a new brand logo tomorrow for its TrueVisions cable unit.
The three commercial digital TV licences comprise one for a variety channel in both high-definition and standard, another for a network provider and the other for an infrastructure-sharing licence to provide a network for digital TV broadcasting. A new business unit may be set up to bid and operate the digital TV service, he said.
Mr Suphachai said True is ready to produce digital TV content and shows thanks to its abundant quality international content.
True is looking to bid for a mobile licence and a cable TV licence in Myanmar to capitalise on rapid structural expansion in the country's telecom sector as well as the launch of the Asean Economic Community, he added.
"We're considering two options for our investment in Myanmar _ creating a 50:50 partnership with local investors or investing alone," said Mr Mr Suphachai. "We plan to become a regional telecom player within the next few years."
Mr Suphachai admitted True Move, True's mobile flagship, needs a strategic partner to provide necessary technological know-how, professional management and the right business model.
True expects high single-digit revenue growth this year, helped by the expansion of its broadband internet service and the upswing in its mobile business as both are at the industry forefront.
He believes these will offset the loss of broadcast rights for the English Premier League over the next three seasons.
Shares of TRUE closed yesterday on the SET at 9.25 baht, down 25 satang, in heavy trade worth 2.49 billion baht.