ADVANC

AIS aims to run 3G service using TOT’s frequencies — ADVANC is moving ahead with pans to negotiate with concession owner TOT to run 3G mobile services on the state telecom enterprises three frequencies. The move came after the NBTC last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contentious 3G network contracts between TRUE and CAT Telecom. (Bangkok Post, 10/04/13)

BECL

March traffic grows YoY and MoM — BECL reported traffic movement in March 2013 at 1.16mn cars/day, +3.4% YoY and +3.3% MoM. (Company)

Comment: On top of the rearrangement of the group’s holdings the simple fact that there are more cars on the road should help the #’s here.

JMART

Jaymart cashes in on smartphone mania — Thailand’s market for smartphones and tablets is set to grow by 30% to Bt70bn this year thanks to a tremendous shift in demand from 2G to 3G smartphones, says mobile retail store Jaymart. JMART believes the average entry-level smartphone price will sharply decline from Bt3,900 last year to Bt2,000 this year, as operators fiercely compete for customers. As many as 50mn handsets in Thailand must be replaced once the 3G band is launched, say operators. It plans to spend Bt250mn to add 60 shops this year, bringing its total to 280 outlets to capitalize on the growing demand for smartphones and tablets. (Bangkok Post, 10/04/13)

Comment: This group essentially controls the smartphone retail market and the debt collection market.

MCOT

State agencies ink digital TV deal with MCOT — Five state agencies yesterday signed an MoU with MCOT on digital TV cooperation as they want to have a platform for public information service. The five agencies are the Pubic Health Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the National Assembly and the Royal Thai Police. MCOT expects to generate new revenue from this cooperation but as yet cannot provide figures. (Bangkok Post, 10/04/13)