Telenor Group has decided to exit Thailand’s telecom market after signing a deal with Arise Digital Technology Company Limited, after selling 30.3% shares in True Corporation, for 39 billion Norwegian Crowns ($3.92 billion). Initially, 24.95% of True’s share will be sold at THB 11.70 per share. Both companies have agreed to a mutual put/call option to sell the remaining 5.35% after 2 years of the initial sale, at either the same or the prevailing market price.
Telenor Group invested in TAC (Total Access Communication) in 2000, which grew to dtac in 2025, one of Thailand’s well-known mobile operators. In 2023, a merger between two major telecom companies in Thailand, dtac and True, occurred. This merger created True Corporation, Thailand’s largest telecom and technology company with around 60 million customers. The company is expanding its portfolio by investing in 5G networks, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital services.
According to a Reuters report:
Telenor will make a profit of about 14.7 billion Norwegian crowns after closing the initial stake sale at the current exchange rate.
Reuters Report
As stated by the company, they will disclose financial information: Business reinvestments, shareholder payment and liabilities, in the next month.
Telenor is expecting to gain significant profit from the sale of its stake; this strategy reflects that the company is focusing on investments in the Nordic regions, where there is a strong long-term growth.
The telecom landscape is evolving rapidly, at a global level. Companies are realigning their business strategies and reevaluating the investment decisions which will unfold future opportunities. Telenor’s decision at a broader level gave us insight into market shifts.
The companies are facing regulatory challenges and competition. Apart from this, tariffs imposed by the United States have affected profitability, and there is a lot of uncertainty prevailing in the market. These market challenges call for unexpected but calculated decisions, which will eventually decide the future of the company and might lead to increased ROI (Return on Investment).
Telenor holds a strong presence in Pakistan’s business sector. However, it has to deal with multiple obstacles, which are related to price constraints, exchange rate risks, regulatory challenges, and inadequate rural infrastructure. However, its continued presence in the local market is giving positive signals of confidence in the region.
There will be more opportunities in the future as local business trends are shifting their strategies by aligning themselves at the international level. The Government of Pakistan is acting vigilantly, focusing on adapting the 5G technology, which could give Telenor a competitive edge in the local market, along with investing in digital platforms and the development of 4G infrastructure.