Thailand’s state telco National Telecom (NT) is reportedly in talks with at least four companies, including rival telcos Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corp, to form partnerships that will prop up its flagging telecoms services.
According to a report in the Bangkok Post on Monday, AIS and True are discussing potential partnerships related to NT’s mobile and fixed broadband businesses, including sharing infrastructure, marketing and helping NT expand its customer base based on a profit-sharing model.
Two unnamed foreign IT equipment vendors are also exploring partnerships focused on NT’s fixed broadband operations in areas such as marketing and broadband management, the report said.
NT president Col Sanphachai Huvanandana said partners are also proposing to manage NT’s infrastructure assets, such as cable systems, signal towers and broadband gear.
Col Sanphachai told the newspaper that NT is setting up a working group to evaluate the proposals from all four companies. An initial decision is expected by the end of this year, after which it will be sent to NT’s board for approval.
The move is NT’s latest attempt to stem losses and reverse its financial fortunes after being clobbered by heavy competition and high opex costs. Its mobile business reported a loss of THB4 billion in 2023, while its fixed broadband unit is expected to report a loss of THB900 million for 2024, the report said.
