The new chief executive of Thailand’s second-largest mobile operator, DTAC, has hinted that rollout of the operator’s long-awaited 3G network could be delayed until the latter half of next year. Bangkok Post reports that DTAC had originally planned to rollout the network in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Phuket in first-quarter 2009 but new CEO Tore Johnsen says it may now wait until it sees stronger demand for mobile data. “There is no need to rush into offering 3G services as long as demand for mobile data is still not there,” said Johnsen. “We want to make sure that the Thai market is more than ready for 3G, particularly in the mobile data service area.” Tore Johnsen took over as CEO of DTAC on September 15, the report says, succeeding Sigve Brekke, who has become CEO of Telenor Asia, DTAC’s majority owner.

DTAC has previously said it plans to invest THB5 billion (US$148 million) in building out its 3G network using its existing 850MHz frequency. Three rival Thai operators – AIS, True Move and the state-owned TOT – plan to rollout 3G networks next year. However, only AIS has a trial 3G network up and running to date – in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The rollout of the Thai 3G networks have suffered from numerous delays in issuing licenses and importing equipment, and the country has yet to award licenses in 2100MHz – the spectrum band typically used for 3G.