As expected, the SL consortium of Loxley-Samart-Nokia Siemens Networks-Huawei Technologies yesterday won the e-auction of the TOT project to establish a nationwide third-generation telecom network by bidding Bt16.29 billion, down 6.59 per cent from the state agency's budget for the project of Bt17.44 billion.
Of the four consortia that submitted bid documents, only these two were qualified by TOT to join the e-auction.
Information and Communications Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh said he was not happy with the price, saying it should be lower.
A telecom-industry source said the winning consortium was expected to lower the price to about Bt16 billion in the cost-negotiation round.
The project will see TOT establish a nationwide 3G wireless broadband network on the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum. If things go as planned, TOT will launch the initial phase in major provinces in April before going countrywide in one year.
TOT acting president Noppanut Hutacharoen said the agency had conducted all procedures related to the e-auction transparently.
TOT e-auction committee chairman Anont Tubtiang said he was satisfied with the price. Anont, who is one of five contenders for the TOT presidency, added that the committee would submit the result for the acting president's approval on Monday and then to the TOT board for consideration. The agency is expected to award the contract in mid-February.
Samart Corp president Watchai Vilailuck said Samart would use Nokia and Huawei equipment and install the network in the Central, Eastern and Southern regions at a total cost of Bt10 billion. Loxley will use Huawei equipment and install the network in the North and Northeast, for a total cost of about B6 billion.
