The Ministry of Information and Telecommunication Technology (ICT) said Tuesday its plan to acquire a major stake in Hutchison CAT Wireless Multimedia Co., Ltd. or Hutch is in the process of submitting for the cabinet approval.

ICT Minister Ranongruk Suwanchawee said the ministry plans to buy the wireless company for 7.0 billion baht through the state-run operator CAT Telecom.

She said CAT will be benefitted from acquiring the additional 3G technology CDMA, which currently operates by Hutch.

Both the technologies are recognized as global standard for 3G broadband technology and are being used in several countries.

The buyout is part of ICT plan to expand its wireless availability throughout the country.

The minister said the CDMA technology should be good alternative in expanding its 3G wireless reach into Thailand’s rural.