AIS sees 70% jump in cellular traffic
Advanced Info Service has seen voice and data traffic both surge by 70 per cent in flood-hit provinces as people seek information or flood assistance.
AIS chief executive officer Wichian Mektrakarn said yesterday that cellular networks had become key communication channels for people and state agencies during this crisis.
Flooding has damaged 67 of its cellular base stations, 29 of which are in Ayutthaya. AIS has about 13,000 base stations nationwide, including 168 in Nakhon Sawan, 190 in Ayutthaya and 296 in Pathum Thani.
Despite the flood-related problems, AIS has maintained its projection of high-single-digit revenue growth this year.
A source in the telecom industry said the flood was unlikely to have any negative impact on AIS revenue this year. Although it will face some costs repairing damaged base stations, more people are using mobile-phone services during the flood.
AIS has protected its network systems in Bangkok to ensure that its customers’ communications will not be disrupted if the city is flooded.
All of the cellular operators have set up flood barriers at their switching-centre buildings and prepared back-up power supplies for their base stations.
AIS recently launched a flood-relief application on its mobile portal site to enable mobile-phone users to access flood-status updates and other useful information.
It is also coordinating with telecom-equipment suppliers to ensure quick availability of spare parts in case any part of its network is damaged by flooding.
