3G mobile services likely to be limited to cities

[george]

3G mobile services ‘likely to be limited to cities’

BANGKOK: -- Given its huge number of mobile-phone users, Thailand has great potential as a market for third generation – or 3G – phones, according to Sweden-based network provider Ericsson.

Yet when 3G technology comes here, its use is likely be limited to cities, where mobile users are more likely to pay for the additional services that come with 3G devices.

At the recent “Experience 3G with Ericsson” seminar here, Jan Signell, president of Ericsson Southeast Asia, said Thailand possessed a lot of potential for 3G phones as its mobile-users’ habits are like those in countries where the technology has already been unveiled – including Malaysia.

Thais were accustomed to fast downloads through 2.5G mobile phones, he said, and would be pleased to spend more for the faster services via 3G technology.

Signell acknowledged that 3G technology was not necessary for all mobile-phone users. It depends on an individual’s needs because 3G services command higher fees to help network providers recoup their costs.

Ericsson has a regional hosting centre in Singapore, which supports its Asia-Pacific customers. Singapore’s Singtel, Maxis of Malaysia and SunCellular of the Philippines are among its hosting customers in Southeast Asia.

Singapore and Malaysia have launched 3G networks and the Malaysian government announced recently that it may open bidding for 2G and 3G business licences soon.

“We are also expecting to increase 3G activity in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand,” Signell added.

Stefan Karlsson, head of the company’s business planning department, said that Ericsson was waiting for Thailand to issue licences.

He said most Thais not only send SMS or voice messages, but also look for new applications “and we are prepared to serve them by adding more colours to their mobile phones”.

Karlsson added that when Thailand can offer 3G, Ericsson would help set policy by sharing experiences from Europe and other countries in Southeast Asia.

“What we have learnt from our experience is that 2G and 3G integration is a highly complicated exercise, and I believe Ericsson could provide the best quality technology for the Thai industry.”

--The Nation 2005-09-14