Line Mobile's digital mobile service is likely to be suspended by an order from the national telecom regulator unless it can answer complaints filed by mobile operators that its service intentionally skirts the licensing regime.
The newly appointed panel for scrutinising Line Mobile's operations sent an urgent letter to Line Mobile yesterday requesting that executives clarify business operations and answer accusations tomorrow at 1.30pm.
Last week, Total Access Communication (DTAC) competitors AIS and True Move filed complaints asking the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to clarify whether Line Mobile can operate without a licence. Uncertainty over licensing requirements may raise competitive and fairness concerns, and the two companies believe Line Mobile is avoiding applying for a licence from the NBTC.
NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the letter clearly notified Line Mobile of the need to answer the complaints and provide all relevant information to the NBTC in order to continue providing the service.
"If Line Mobile fails to clarify its position, the panel and NBTC may have to consider temporarily suspending the Line Mobile service," Mr Takorn said.
The NBTC's working panel was set up last week to scrutinise Line Mobile's service model. Deputy secretary-general Korkij Danchaivichit said the NBTC never officially authorised Line Mobile to launch its digital mobile service.
Line Mobile met NBTC officers for the first time on Aug 3 after its beta service was introduced.
Mr Korkij rejected claims made during a recent press conference by Line Mobile executives who said they had closely discussed the service with NBTC officers before its official launch.
He said Line Mobile cannot have its subscribers register online without showing their ID cards at service shops, in accordance with NBTC regulations. Operators can design whatever digital services they want, but they must comply with the existing registration system, Mr Korkij said.
"Don't focus on offering digital services while pushing the regulator to act as a barrier to digital development," he said. "It's the same as people not being able to open up bank accounts online despite online banking being highly developed."
