True Move plans to pass DTAC

The Nation (27 November 2007)

Company targets surpassing rival within two years.
True Move has set itself the ambitious target of beating.

Total Access Communication (DTAC) in terms of customer base within the next couple of years.
Chief executive Supachai Chearavanont announced the target yesterday as True Move, the country's third-largest cellular operator that made its debut five years ago, celebrated achieving a subscriber base of more than 12 million. Of the total, 60 per cent are in the provinces.

DTAC has about 16 million subscribers, while Advanced Info Service leads the field with more than 23 million.

DTAC chief commercial officer Thana Thienachariya said his company had focused on revenue more than subscriber numbers.

"If True Move can surpass us in terms of subscriber numbers, it's still okay. If it surpasses us in terms of revenue and profits, my boss might fire me," Thana said.

True Move reported a net profit of Bt213 million for the third quarter, including the one-time gain from change in the useful life of assets. This represented a turnaround from a net loss of Bt122 million in the second quarter.

DTAC posted net profit of Bt1.362 billion in the third quarter.

True Move has capitalised on the group's synergy to quickly build up its market share, especially in the teen segment. True group businesses range from cellular, broadband Internet and pay TV, to wireless payment services.

Supachai said True Move had to work harder if it wants to increase market share in the corporate customer segment.

Next year, True Move has targeted to acquire one-third of the forecast 5 million additional mobile-phone subscriber numbers in the market.

Speaking on a separate issue, Supachai said many foreign telecom operators had approached the firm about a possible strategic partnership deal, given that True Move is the only cellular operator without an overseas partner.

But he said True Move preferred to wait for the National Telecommunications Commission to issue new cellular licences, which would open up new business opportunities, before he starts thinking seriously about a foreign strategic partnership.