DTAC Starts Limited 3G Trial In Bangkok

[george]

DTAC starts limited 3G trial in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- DTAC yesterday started a 100-million-baht third-generation (3G) wireless broadband trial on its analogue 850 Megahertz frequency in inner Bangkok.

The first phase of the trial only features 18 base stations covering Chulalongkorn University, Pantip Plaza, MBK, Siam Square, Sam Yan and Chamchuri Square. The company has upgraded its analogue 850 MHz to high-speed packet access (HSPA) technology to provide data service at the initial stage.

Another 18 base stations will be set up outside Bangkok by December.

The trial will give 2,000 selected customers free 3G mobile broadband though DTAC aircards for notebook computers. But the company will limit data volume to no more than 5 gigabytes per month.

DTAC 3G has a theoretical top speed of 7.2 Mbps, but would average 5-6 Mbps in reality. Huawei of China supplied the 3G network and aircards.

CEO Tore Johnsen said DTAC is focusing on wireless internet over notebook computers to capitalise on demand for data usage. DTAC saw a 25% increase in data revenue in the first half of this year, compared with the same period last year.

"We believe the real value coming with 3G is its ability to offer consumers a wider and better high-speed internet access, now being limited to fixed-line solutions or WiFi hotspots," he said.

Thailand's broadband penetration is very low at only 2%, compared with 4% in Vietnam, 8% in Malaysia and 24% in Singapore. Thailand is estimated to have only 9-10 million personal computers.

DTAC is likely to build 3G networks on both the analogue 850 MHz and 2100 MHz bandwidths, he said. But budget and business details await clear licensing terms and conditions, as well as a ruling by the public-private joint committee set up under Section 22 of the charter.

DTAC is confident of achieving its cashflow target of 12 billion baht this year following an internal restructuring and cost controls, said Mr Johnsen.

Revenue growth is not necessarily important for DTAC under the current economic situation, he said.

Mr Johnsen expects the mobile industry to only edge up in the fourth quarter and the industry to have only 3-4 million new subscribers this year, compared with 9 million last year.

He denied rumours that Vodafone aims to take over DTAC. The firm has only signed a co-operation agreement with the British operator on international roaming and business solutions, he said.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-09-01

[webfact]

They start a limited trial and 4G is already knocking at the door... TiT

[filingaccount]

They start a limited trial and 4G is already knocking at the door... TiT

I think the bottom of the problem is that there is no governing body to issue licenses etc, hence "trials".

But yes, Thailand is waay behind in mobile data connectivity. I mean, even Laos (one of the poorest countries in the world) already has a nice working 3G network with very decent speeds.

[kjohn]

I was one of the lucky ones (one of 2000) to join the trial. Picked up my aircard this morning. Based on the news reports, it should be open to everyone at the first the next year... From the map I saw, they plan to have towers covering most of central bangkok by then. Looks promising.

Also, for those with the iPhone 3GS or similar... DTAC will be faster than TrueMove (theoretical 7.2Mb vs 3.6Mb or ~5Mb vs 1.5Mb in real world applications). AIS 3G is 7.2Mb also, but on 900Mhz, making it not iPhone compatible and no plan for expansion beyond Central World / Siam Paragon.

Here is a quick speedtest

http://bit.ly/7CrJy

...and a map of the current trial area (basically, right now DTAC 3G is only good for those who live / work in the area)