The True concession will end in 2018 and TT&T’s in 2019. TOT has to draw up plans for operation of their fixed-line services after the concessions expire and propose the plans for the Information and Communications Technology Ministry’s consideration.

Acting TOT president Montchai Noosong said there were three options: TOT could continue the services on its own, it could run the services jointly with True and/or TT&T, or it could seek new companies to provide the service jointly.

In the case of TT&T, it looks like TOT will run the company’s service itself, he said. The rehabilitation period of TT&T ended last year but its rehab planner PCL has sought a Bankruptcy Court order to extend the period by another year. TT&T owes Bt38 billion to TOT.

The court ordered TT&T to enter the rehabilitation process in November 2008 and approved the rehab plan in December 2010.

TOT granted a 25-year concession to TT&T to operate 1.5 million fixed-line telephone numbers.

True currently has 2 million fixed-line customers, while TT&T has 490,000. TOT has 3 million subscribers.