Network-sharing talks between state-run CAT Telecom and Telenor subsidiary Total Access Communication (TAC) – which, using the dtac brand, is Thailand’s second-largest mobile operator – will not be concluded until at least Q2, according to Reuters.

Discussions are also believed to be still ongoing between CAT and True Move, the country’s third-largest mobile operator, about concluding a similar network-sharing agreement. Previous reports said that these deals were expected to be wrapped up by March.

CAT believes new arrangements with its two concessionaires, which would again rent network infrastructure from the state-run firm, would give new revenue streams and allow it to become a telecoms network service provider (and not just a telecoms operator).

CAT announced in late November it was looking at ending its long-running disputes over network ownership with dtac and True Move – both of which operate 2G networks under concessions from CAT.

The two operators have also argued that the 1.8GHz concessions – the frequency band on which they run their 2G networks – do not require them to transfer network assets to CAT. True Move’s concession expired last September, while dtac’s expires in 2018.

Reuters reports, however, that TAC is now in talks with the industry regulator to return some of its 1.8MHz wireless frequencies.