Thailand National Telecommunications Commission has approved of mobile phone operator DTAC's plan to upgrade its existing 800MHz network to 3G HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) technology, Bangkok Post reported.

Along with the network upgrade, DTAC plans to introduce a five billion baht (US$147.26 million; US$1=33.96 baht) investment to roll out 3G services in three phases. The first phase involves the deployment of 700 to 800 base stations and the commencement of service in Bangkok in the first quarter of 2009, followed by network coverage extension to Greater Bangkok and the provinces of Chon Buri and Phuket in the second phase, and ultimately nationwide 3G access by mid-2009 in the third phase.

DTAC's first-phase 3G service is expected to focus on wireless broadband Internet access via notebook PCs. 3G mobile phone service is projected to arrive together with the nationwide network coverage.