Thailand’s information and communication technology ministry has ordered state-run telecom operator TOT to cut its 3G mobile ser vices development budget from 29 billion Thai baht to 20 billion Thai baht.

Thailand’s information and communication technology ministry has ordered state-run telecom operator TOT to cut its 3G mobile services development budget from 29 billion Thai baht to 20 billion Thai baht. TOT, currently the country’s only holder of a 2100 MHz UMTS licence via its subsidiary Thai Mobile, will contribute 2 billion Thai baht, with the remainder to be funded via loans secured on a government-to-government basis. TOT is expected to finalise a plan to roll out 500 3G base stations over the next four months. It plans to offer commercial terms for leasing 3G infrastructure to privately owned 2G mobile operators ahead of the National Telecommunications Commission’s planned auction of 3G licences in the third quarter of 2009.