The mobile signals for second-generation (2G) SIM cards on the 900-megahertz spectrum network will be cut off after midnight on Monday, says the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The warning came after mobile leader Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation were unable to reach a win-win solution on 2G network infrastructure after a second round of negotiations yesterday.
"We have no choice but to make our final decision to shut down the 900MHz network to end the unsettled conflict," said NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith.
Takorn: No choice as conflict remains
AIS has 400,000 2G customers remaining on the 900MHz network, with another 7.6 million users having migrated to Total Access Communication (DTAC) under a network roaming agreement.
True Move H Universal Communication (TUC), a subsidiary of True Corporation, proposed the NBTC give AIS another three months to oversee the 8 million 2G customers on the 900MHz network.
TUC will own the licence to operate the spectrum three days after it makes its first instalment payment plus three bank guarantees, due on Friday.
TUC will charge AIS 450 million baht a month for a spectrum rental fee.
AIS must also discuss with TOT if the state telecom enterprise is going to charge it a 2G network equipment fee.
However, AIS turned down True's hefty payment call for the use of 2G spectrum, saying the company has only 400,000 2G customers remaining, not the 8 million True assumed. The company also said it only needs to use 5MHz of bandwidth in the first spectrum slot won by JAS Mobile Broadband, not the one owned by TUC.
AIS previously operated 2G service on the 900MHz spectrum under TOT's concession, which expired in September.
If TUC can make its first payment this Friday, the regulator can grant TUC a 900MHz licence on Monday. This means AIS will have to switch off its 2G network at midnight on Monday.
Mr Takorn said the NBTC could not allow AIS to use 5MHz of bandwidth in the first spectrum slot won by JAS because JAS was not in the discussion panel with the two parties.
JAS's ability to make its first payment for the 900MHz licence is still in doubt.
Mr Takorn said AIS must urgently inform its 400,000 2G customers about the 900MHz network shutdown as well as urge them to migrate to other networks. AIS also has to return unused call credits.