The ICT Ministry oversees the state telecom operators, while the Finance Ministry owns their shares. The NTC believes that since TOT is under the ministries' supervision, they should do something to protect the interests of telecom consumers, who suffer because of TOT’s interconnection actions.

TOT has declined to integrate 1.5 million new mobile numbers each for Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move into its network because they did not pay the company an access charge. Telecom operators need all other operators to translate their new numbers into their switching systems, so that their networks can recognise the numbers. TOT's refusal to register DTAC and True Move's new numbers means calls from other networks cannot reach the new numbers if they are relayed through TOT's network. All Thai telecom operators connect with one another via links through TOT and their own direct links.

The access charge is paid by private mobile operators having concessions from CAT Telecom to TOT for connecting to other networks via its facilities. DTAC and True Move both say they want to pay only the NTC-prescribed interconnection charge, which mandates that all telecom operators share voice revenues between the two networks involved in a call. TOT has attempted to forbid DTAC and True Move from adopting the interconnection regime.

The NTC has already ordered TOT to accept the two mobile operators' additional numbers by January 17 or face possible punishment in the form of a fine or loss of its telecom license. The NTC will meet with TOT to listen to its explanation for not accepting additional numbers from the two companies.

A recent resolution by TOT's board said the company should seek an order from the Central Administrative Court terminating the NTC's interconnection regulations, which have been adopted by all major mobile operators.

Source: The Nation - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News