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Cellular services industry revenue this year would reach Bt165 billion, while phone and hardware sales would top Bt35 billion, leading operator Advanced Info Service said yesterday.

AIS executive vice president Somchai Lertsutiwong said mobile data services would still lead industry growth.

All cellular operators have yet to report 2008 fourth-quarter financial results.

Compared to AIS' 2009 forecast of Bt165 billion for cellular services, a telecom industrialist predicts Bt170 billion, up from an estimated Bt164 billion last year.

AIS will spend Bt700 million-Bt800 million, up from some Bt300 million last year, enhancing its call centre operation to provide better service. It will add 300 recruits this year to the 2,400 staff at the centre.

International call roaming revenue could drop this year, given the decline in inbound tourists, he said.

The global recession and seizure of the country's main airports last year by the People's Alliance for Democracy have dimmed prospects for the tourism industry here.

AIS reportedly plans to boost subscriber numbers to 32.5 million this year, up from over 26 million at present. Rivals Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move have over 18 million and 12 million subscribers respectively.

AIS carried 50 million short messages on New Year's Eve and Day, up 20 per cent from last year, while DTAC recorded 49.95 million SMS greetings, up 31 per cent.