DTAC To Launch 3G In Two Provinces

[Jai Dee]

DTAC to Launch 3G in Two Provinces

DTAC, the country's second-largest mobile operator, is preparing to introduce high-speed packet access (HSPA) commercial services in Phuket and Chon Buri as part of its five billion baht third-generation (3G) investment plan.

A nationwide offering is expected in 2009 in line with the wider availability of HSPA devices, including mobile handsets, laptop computers and data cards, said Sigve Brekke, the chief executive officer of DTAC.

Mr Brekke said that DTAC today would submit a letter to the National Telecommunications Commission requesting approval to upgrade its analogue 850 Megahertz frequency to HSPA.

DTAC has been in talks with CAT Telecom to form a joint-venture firm to provide 3G services on the 850 MHz frequency. The NTC has also given approval to DTAC's larger rival, Advanced Info Service (AIS) to upgrade 30 base stations to HSPA in a programme expected to cost $20 million.

"If the NTC gives us approval shortly, we can start providing HSPA commercial services by the end of this year," Mr Brekke said. "Phuket and Chon Buri will be the first two commercial provinces for HSPA."

He said DTAC selected Phuket and Chon Buri as they were small areas with high data communication usage and potential demand. Target customers in Phuket would be foreigners, and in Chon Buri they would be factory owners and workers. He said DTAC would provide customers a simple package concept with a possible monthly fee of 450 baht and no limit on data volume usage.

DTAC will need to install additional 1,800 HSPA base stations for nationwide services.

The company currently has 9,000 2G base stations.

Mr Brekke said DTAC planned to introduce HSPA services on a development platform consisting of network, content and handsets. Data communications services would be designed for laptop users while music, television and video streaming would be for handset customers.

He said the 850 MHz frequency offered a great advantage over others including 900 MHz due to its wider coverage and ability to work with a variety of devices.

In comparison, Mr Brekke said, WiMax on top of the 900 frequency would not work with handsets, but only laptop computers.

"I don't understand why other operators are moving to WiMax instead of HSPA even though it can provide services on both laptops and the popular handsets," he said.

DTAC, he added, would not wait for 3G licences from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) due to the unclear policy.

"We are definitely moving into HSPA where the technology doesn't need a new licence, as it can be operated under the existing concession," he said.

Source: redOrbit Technology News - 02 April 2008

[Farma]

It would be nice if they offer a choice of buying a pre paid 3G sim card only. It will allow tourists high speed internet access using their own USB modems.

Alas, I have a feeling they’ll follow 3G providers in other countries who insist you buy their expensive USB modem as part of a package or plan when you use their service.

[Crushdepth]

Don't hold your breath.

[Digitalbanana]

Great! So it won't work on my 900mhz O2 Flame?

[stumonster]

Great! So it won't work on my 900mhz O2 Flame?

O2 flame

2G Network GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network UMTS 2100

full specs here http://www.gsmarena.com/o2_xda_flame-1981.php

[Digitalbanana]

Great! So it won't work on my 900mhz O2 Flame?

O2 flame

2G Network GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G Network UMTS 2100

full specs here http://www.gsmarena.com/o2_xda_flame-1981.php

Thnks for link. So with little knowledge on this I think my conclusion that the 02 Flame 3G won't work still stands? I cannot see 2100 mentioned in anyones plans..and know less what UMTS means.

[nikster]

God I so need this. DSL has become useless over the last few months so now it's all EV-DO with CAT. Never goes down and is reasonably fast. But HSPA is a very different kettle of fish, that should have way lower latency (aka the time that passes form when you click a link until anything happens), better download rates, and way better upload rates.

No the flame won't work b/c, as the article states DTAC will use the 850MHz band. My iPhone won't work on that either if it's any consolidation

[IgnacioE]

DTAC to Launch 3G in Two Provinces

DTAC, the country's second-largest mobile operator, is preparing to introduce high-speed packet access (HSPA) commercial services in Phuket and Chon Buri as part of its five billion baht third-generation (3G) investment plan.

...

Mr Brekke said that DTAC today would submit a letter to the National Telecommunications Commission requesting approval to upgrade its analogue 850 Megahertz frequency to HSPA.

DTAC has been in talks with CAT Telecom to form a joint-venture firm to provide 3G services on the 850 MHz frequency. The NTC has also given approval to DTAC's larger rival, Advanced Info Service (AIS) to upgrade 30 base stations to HSPA in a programme expected to cost $20 million.

"If the NTC gives us approval shortly, we can start providing HSPA commercial services by the end of this year," Mr Brekke said. "Phuket and Chon Buri will be the first two commercial provinces for HSPA."

...

DTAC, he added, would not wait for 3G licences from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) due to the unclear policy.

"We are definitely moving into HSPA where the technology doesn't need a new licence, as it can be operated under the existing concession," he said.

Source: redOrbit Technology News - 02 April 2008

So is this aligned with what the new ICT Minister said 2 weeks ago?

Minister prioritises 3G wireless; Public and private firms to link up

http://www.thailandoutlook.com/thailandout...3G+wireless.htm

You mean that they're getting their act together??? If so, the sky is falling :-)

Iggy

[george]

ICT minister asks Senate to approve new telecom bill to speed up 3G, Wimax

BANGKOK: -- Information and Communication Technology Minister Man Pattanothai Friday urged the Senate to speed up the passage of the bill to establish the National Telecom and Broadcasting Commission.

Responding to a motion filed by a senator, Man said Thailand trailed behind its neighbouring countries in term of telecom technology because the lack of the watch dog to allocate frequencies for telecom use although the kingdom used to aim to be a telecom hum of the region.

He said the new Constitution required the NTBC be set up within 180 days after the charter enforcement and the deadline would arrive on August 17.

He said the Senate should speed up issuing the NTBC bill prepared by the interim government so that the country could implement 3G and Wimax technologies as soon as possible.

-- The Nation 2008-05-02

[Crushdepth]

although the kingdom used to aim to be a telecom hum of the region

I think he meant 'hub'...

[anthos]

BTW, I've noticed 3G HSDPA PCcards in the apple shop in the Jungceylon mall on Patong on sale a few days ago. They were packed together with a DTAC simcard. according to the lables on the package it is supposed to be the 3G equipment from DTAC.

Edited May 12, 2008 by anthos