THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

DTAC teams up with state telecoms to test 5G

DTAC teams up with state telecoms to test 5G

TOTAL ACCESS Communication (DTAC) yesterday announced its collaboration with state telecom agencies TOT and CAT Telecom to test the 5G wireless broadband technology.

DTAC has already launched 5G testbeds infrastructure at both Chulalongkorn University, in downtown Bangkok, and Kasetsart University’s Sriracha Campus in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). 
The testing equipment will also be provided by Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia.
DTAC chief executive officer Alexandra Reich said yesterday that to learn more about how 5G can benefit Thai society, one needs to first identify relevant applications and use cases. This requires a strong collaboration between government, industry and consumers. 
TOT and CAT each bring their own strengths to the partnership, covering a broad range of expertise on network systems, spectrum and regulatory aspects, Reich said. 
DTAC’s 5G trial will focus on its existing smart-farmer project.
TOT’s 5G trial will focus on its existing “smart pole” project, a piece of infrastructure ideally suited for urban environments. It allows fast, reliable connections to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 
The smart poles are being tested at Chulalongkorn University before being rolled out in additional public areas. 
In the future, this type of infrastructure can be shared with telecom providers, making the 5G roll-out faster and more affordable.
CAT will bring its existing project, “PM2.5 Sensor for All”, to join the 5G testing under this partnership.
The system will employ connected sensors in partnership with DTAC to monitor air quality in the capital. 
DTAC has already requested a permit from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to conduct 5G trials and 4G-5G compatibility trials. In addition to lab testing, the licence covers live testing in areas such as Chulalongkorn University and Siam Square. 
The trial licence from the NBTC covers 26GHz and 28GHz, 3.5GHz, 2600MHz, 2300MHz and 1800MHz.
Reich also urged the related state authorities to develop a comprehensive road map for new spectrum allocation.
“Building a broad range of 5G use cases requires an equally wide range of spectrum, from to low- to mid- and high-band. Before considering any further auctions, operators need to have a comprehensive spectrum road map and the conditions under which it will be made available. Well-managed auctions must ensure not only fairness but also a reasonable valuation of the spectrum.”
 

nationthailand