AIS soft-launches 3G-2.1GHz service, aims for 200,000 customers on May 8
Advanced Info Service targets 200,000 customers by the time of the official May 8 launch of its third-generation cellular service and 10 million customers by year-end after becoming the first private operator to make the wireless broadband service availab
All 200,000 will be AIS customers who will be migrated to the 2.1GHz network of its wholly owned subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), which currently covers main cities in 18 provinces and inner Bangkok. AWN will start acquiring non-AIS customers on May 8.
The 10 million customers targeted this year will be both existing and new subscribers, said Hui Weng Chong, AIS’s chief operating officer.
AIS, which has more than 35.7 million subscribers, has already invited the first group of its customers in 2.1GHz service areas who have compatible mobile devices to start using the service before the official launch in May in 20 provinces. About a million responded to the invitation.
AWN will completely set up its network in all main cities in 77 provinces by year-end. It is increasing its cellular sites from 3,600 currently to 3,800 next month and 9,000 by year-end. AIS plans to spend Bt70 billion to deploy 20,000 sites in three years.
AIS chief executive officer Wichian Mektrakarn said AIS aimed for revenue growth of 8-10 per cent this year. AIS is expected to spend about Bt1 billion on marketing activities of 3G service this year.
AWN is one of three companies holding a 2.1GHz spectrum licence.
DTAC Network of Total Access Communication is expected to make the formal debut of its 2.1GHz service also on May 8. DTAC already offers a 3G service on its 850-megahertz frequency. The 850MHz and 2.1GHz networks will back each other up in providing mobile data service.
This year Real Future of True Corp aims to complete the deployment of 5,000 cell sites nationwide for its 3G-2.1GHz network and 2,000 sites in 15 major cities for its fourth-generation network. It plans to premiere the 4G service in Bangkok next month with 100 sites. Its sister company Real Move already provides 3G-850MHz service in partnership with CAT Telecom.
As a value-added service to its customers, AIS is cooperating with Skytrain operator Bangkok Mass Transit System and Bangkok Smartcard System Co, the developer of the Rabbit electronic money system, to offer mPAY Rabbit by attaching a Rabbit card to an AIS 3G-2.1GHz SIM card.
Customers using mobile devices compatible with near-field communications and equipped with the special SIM card can pay tolls for the Skytrain and other mass-transit systems as well as make purchases from participating stores. MPAY Rabbit will be available for interested customers before its full launch next quarter.
