Qualcomm chief to draw on VN experience

Vu Minh-Tri, Qualcomm's new head for Indochina and Thailand, plans to marshal his experience in Vietnam to ensure the success of the launch of the 3G-2.1GHz service here.

Thailand is one of Qualcomm's important regional markets and the issuance of the licences to telecom operators to use the 2.1GHz spectrum, the global 3G platform, is the best way for Thailand to start growing the 3G service in a big way, he said.

Private cellular operators here are currently using either 900MHz or 850MHz to provide 3G service under their concessions. They are waiting for the National Broadcasting and Telecom-munications Commission (NBTC) to get off the ground and grant 2.1GHz licences.

Most 3G phones are 2.1GHz/800MHz and 2.1GHz/900MHz compatible.

The Qualcomm chief said he would share his experience in engaging with Vietnam's operators during their 3G service launches a couple of years ago, especially in how to optimise networks, in order to contribute to the 3G-2.1GHz service launch here.

Telecom operators should also educate consumers about the 3G technology's benefits, which are not limited to just video calls but also services such as wireless broadband Internet. Locally developed applications should also be available when the 3G service is launched so people can reap the advantages of 3G right away. The other key factor to facilitate the broad adoption of 3G is to bring down the cost of devices to lower the entry barrier for users.

Qualcomm has worked closely with local brand phone makers and related parties where 3G is available, offering them several types of support, in order to help them offer 3G devices at prices below US$200 (Bt6,000) for a 3G smart phone and about $100 for a 3G feature phone.

Qualcomm has also worked at the customer level to support 3G. In Vietnam, it has joined with some 3G operators to launch a retail campaign featuring demonstrations of 3G benefits to consumers at their outlets. This is something that Qualcomm plans to do here after the telecom operators receive 2.1GHz licences.

Qualcomm, based in San Diego, California, is a pioneer and licenser of Code Division Multiple Access cellular technology, appointed Tri this month to assume the responsibilities of Kaneungjit Suriyathum-rongkul, who played a critical role in the establishment and development of Qualcomm's Thailand operations over the past 10 years.

Tri was director-general of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos for Qualcomm. Prior to joining Qualcomm, he was director-general of Yahoo! Vietnam Co.