Telecom regulator gives limp OK to True and DTAC merger

Telecommunications regulators voted by a slim margin to approve the merger of the country’s second and third largest mobile operators, with conditions. 

After a 10-hours meeting, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission said a majority of members – 3 to 2 – had “acknowledged” the merger between True Corp. Pcl and Telenor ASA’s Total Access Communication Pcl – a deal first announced nearly a year ago.

The commission, however, said that it will specify conditions as the merger is a “sensitive” matter that  “impacts the public.” 

Massive DTAC, True merger to seek regulators’ blessing

The conditions include price caps and controls. An independent verification of rate structures and service fees for at least five years was also stipulated. The service rates – such as voice, data, and messaging – must be shown…