Total Access Communication (DTAC) has vowed to maintain its position in Thailand's mobile network market through aggressive investment.
Mr Brekke says he won't deviate from his previous management style.
The company will set aside an extra budget of 10 billion baht this year for expanding its third- and fourth-generation wireless broadband networks to meet soaring demand for mobile data.
The 2014-15 budget represents a chance to promote the country's second-biggest mobile operator as having the best internet network for 3G and 4G, said Sigve Brekke, who became interim chief executive of DTAC on Sept 2 after Jon Eddy Abdullah resigned.
Mr Brekke, also an executive vice-president of Telenor Group and head of Telenor Asia's operations, was co-chief executive of DTAC from 2002-05 and chief executive from 2005-08.
"The extra budget is also essential in order to meet the crazy strong demand
for internet services in Thailand and match the fast-changing consumer lifestyles and increasingly volatile industry," he said.
Mr Brekke yesterday officially unveiled his growth strategy for the Norway-based mobile operator as it seeks to reignite Thai business amid intensifying competition.
DTAC will spend 10 billion baht to add 6,500 3G base stations on the 850-megahertz and 2100-MHz spectra, bringing its total to 18,500 base stations.
The budget also includes installation of 3,000 4G base stations on the 2100-MHz spectrum.
The network roll-out of 3G and 4G systems, to be completed by next March, will concentrate on Bangkok and metropolitan areas in 30 major provinces, Mr Brekke said.
DTAC has invested 10 billion baht in 3G network expansion already this year.
Mr Brekke stressed that nothing would change under the new management structure and that he would carry on in a mode similar to his past tenure as chief executive.
DTAC reported consolidated second-quarter revenue of 21.9 billion baht, down by 11% year-on-year, for a net profit of 2.95 billion, down 0.5%.
The unsatisfactory performance was attributed to a reduced interconnection rate, stronger competition and the weak economy.
DTAC shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 106 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 553 million baht.
