3G Launched in Chiang Mai

Advanced Info Service (AIS) yesterday staged the commercial launch of third-generation (3G) mobile broadband services in Chiang Mai under a 600-million-baht plan.

The country''s largest mobile operator has a head start in 3G and plans start offering service in Bangkok in mid-June.

President Wichian Mektrakarn said the move was a "revolution" for the country''s wireless industry.

He said the service under the new 3GSM Advance brand, on top of the company''s existing 900 Megahertz frequency with high-speed packet access (HSPA) technology, would focus on providing mobile data through high-speed internet access.

AIS has only 30 cell sites in Chiang Mai as allowed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The service includes video calling, video streaming and full song and music video downloads. It provides a speed of 7.2 megabits per second, about 45 times faster than GPRS and Edge systems.

AIS charges three baht per minute for a video call and one baht for five megabits of download services.

Users need new SIM cards but can keep their old mobile numbers. They also need to have compatible handsets.

AIS is offering two handset models from Nokia and Phone One, priced at 8,990 and 6,990 baht, respectively. Nokia plans to introduce an additional nine 3G models this year.

Mr Wichian said the company also planned to introduce the 3GSM service in Hua Hin, Chon Buri and Phuket if the Chiang Mai launch was well received.

He said a 3G nationwide service would be available in the future with a possible 10 billion baht budget.

The commercial launch came after AIS signed an agreement with TOT Plc for the right to upgrade the 900 MHz network to HSPA. The NTC, meanwhile, has allowed TOT to upgrade its 900 MHz network to HSPA.

Mr Wichian said AIS needed to act now on HSPA as it could not wait for new 3G licences from the NTC.

AIS shares (ADVANC) closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 91.50 baht, down 1.50, in trade worth 362.47 million baht.




Source:Bangkok Post