Dtac expanding 3G network, installing new 2G equipment

With a total of 5,000 base stations nationwide, it hopes to bring enhanced quality and speed to customers, in line with the company’s promise to provide 3G service to every district, and its continued efforts to bring the future technology to consumers all over Thailand.

According to Jon Eddy Abdullah, chief executive officer, the investment is set at Bt8-Bt9 billion, well within the 2012 capital expenditure guideline.

“Dtac is highly committed to provide the best network experience to our customers. We continue investing in the best technology for 3G network expansion on 850 MHz. We will complete 2,000 base stations, covering 45 provinces nationwide in March. With the fast-growing data demand, we have committed to an additional 3,000 base stations by the end of 2012,” he said.

Dtac also announced that on the national 2G network upgrade, the all new equipment installation of more than 10,000 base stations, is progressing as planned and should be completed by the end of this year.

This promises enhanced voice quality and data speed. Furthermore, the network upgrade with the most advanced technology available in Thailand would bring dtac into the forefront of technology readiness for 3G 2.1 GHz and the latest 4G, LTE technology as well.

“Dtac is in full readiness for the 2.1 GHz auction for 3G service in 2012. In the meantime, we have got an approval for LTE trial service from CAT Telecom, and pending approval from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), to commence the LTE service test in the third quarter of 2012. We are willing to work with the regulator in regards to an efficient utilisation of the spectrum. Accordingly, we encourage the NBTC to hold an auction for 4G service back to back with the 2.1 GHz auction. The roll out of 3G and 4G services would bring the best benefits to the consumers, the regulators, the government and the country overall,” said Abdullah.