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Published on April 10, 2008

AIS plans to launch the 3G broadband cellular service on its existing 900-megahertz spectrum in 20 provinces this year on a budget of about Bt600 million. The amount is part of its total budget of Bt16 billion set aside for the overall development of existing and 3G networks this year.

CEO Vikrom Sripataks yesterday said AIS had targeted 70,000-80,000 3G subscribers this year.

However, customers wanting to enjoy AIS's 3G service must buy new compatible mobile phones that come with 3GSM Advance SIM cards, which will be available soon. They will still be able to use their existing phone numbers.

Currently available 3G mobile phones in Thailand support the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum.

The National Telecommuni-cations Commission (NTC) has yet to allocate licences to operate 2.1GHz spectrum bands for telecom operators to offer 3G service.

Initially, the AIS service will be available to post-paid subscribers before covering prepaid subscribers in the third quarter. Among the highlighted services are an Internet connection and a video-call service between 3G phone users. The cost of the video call-service will be Bt3 a minute.

AIS now has about 24 million subscribers, 2.5 million of whom are post-paid ones.

President Wichian Mektra-karn said AIS had to move ahead and launch the 3G service on the existing spectrum instead of waiting for the 2.1GHz spectrum bands, in order to show its leadership and give customers experience using 3G.

Last month state telecom agencies and their private concessionaires were given the nod to launch 3G services on their existing 900MHz and 850MHz bands.

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation