Broadband investment to boom in next two years: KRC
INVESTMENT on fixed-line and wireless broadband Internet network expansion by both the public and private sectors is expected to reach Bt173.2 billion in the next two years, according to Kasikorn Research Centre.
Of the total, Bt111 billion is expected to be spent on wired networks and Bt62 billion on 3G and 4G wireless networks.
This year’s focus is on wired and 3G |networks, while next year’s will be on 4G networks.
Subscribers to both wireless and wired broadband Internet service should surge 19-24 per cent to 34.6 million-36 million this year.
Household fixed broadband Internet subscribers are expected to grow 20-29 per cent to 6.6 million-7 million this year.
Mobile broadband subscribers are tipped to expand 17 to 23 per cent – to 33-34.6 million this year, due to the continued decline in the prices of mobile phones to a more accessible level and the availability of 4G services.
Thailand’s readiness in broadband Internet network coverage and accessibility is key to driving the digital economy.
True Corp and Total Access Communication have already introduced 4G on their existing 2.1GHz frequencies.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission had planned to auction a 12.5MHz-wide band from TrueMove and the same-width band from Digital Phone Co (DPC) in the 1,800MHz spectrum in the middle of last year, and Advanced Info Service’s 17.5MHz-wide band in the 900MHz spectrum late last year.
Both frequencies can be used to provide 4G services.
However, after the junta seized power, it ordered the watchdog to suspend the auction for one year, pending “complete clarification” of the plan to the new military regime.
The 1,800MHz concessions of TrueMove and DPC from CAT Telecom expired in September 2013, while the 900MHz concession of AIS from TOT ends this September.
