Cellular News notes that Thailand’s state owned operator, TOT, has told Reuters that it will proceed with plans to deploy a 3G network, with a commercial launch due by the end of the year. The government has previously hinted that it will conduct 3G auctions in the first half of this year. The telecoms regulator has approved the company’s plan to spend US$816 million on the network upgrade, which will involve around 500 base stations in the capital city, Bangkok and the surrounding areas which belong to its ACT Mobile subsidiary.