A Flurry Of Activity As 3G Launch Looms: Thailand

[Jiu-Jitsu]

I registered online or via short code. Can't remember. Was simple and got a reply via SMS. But I don't have a plan to be in Thailand before December anyway.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I was on online chat the other day with True Move H about an expired pre-pay SIM card, and thought I'd take the opportunity to ask the CSR what was the status of True's 2100 Mhz 3G launch.

The CSR couldn't provide me with any information, saying customers will need to wait for some future public announcement from True. I asked more specifically about a timeframe for them launching their 3G 2100 Mhz service, and got the same answer again, no news or timeframe yet.

I thought True had publicly said they were going to launch something soon. But saying it, and actually doing it, often don't go hand in hand around here.

[petedk]

I was on online chat the other day with True Move H about an expired pre-pay SIM card, and thought I'd take the opportunity to ask the CSR what was the status of True's 2100 Mhz 3G launch.

The CSR couldn't provide me with any information, saying customers will need to wait for some future public announcement from True. I asked more specifically about a timeframe for them launching their 3G 2100 Mhz service, and got the same answer again, no news or timeframe yet.

I thought True had publicly said they were going to launch something soon. But saying it, and actually doing it, often don't go hand in hand around here.

Not sure if this has anything to do with True not knowing when they will launch 3G but there is some dispute going on between True and CAT.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I don't think that dispute is related, but someone might correct me...

There is a dispute going on over revising the terms of the concession/contract between True and CAT over their existing 3G service on the 850 Mhz band, which is marketed as True Move H. The True entity that runs that service is called Real Move.

Then, supposedly according to a newspaper article the other day, the other True subsidiary that is supposed to be launching the NEW True3G service on the 2100 Mhz band is called Real Future, and they're not involved in any contract dispute with CAT (I think).

Unless there's somehow some connection between the two...

[lomatopo]

It looks like DTAC is branding their 2100 MHz service as "TriNet 3", presumably for a combination of 850 MHz (3G), 1800 MHz (GSM) and 2100 MHz (new 3G)?

http://www.dtac.co.th/en/trinet/trinet.html

Edited April 22, 2013 by lomatopo

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

That's interesting... Thanks for that post, Loma...

That's among the most specific info I've seen from any of the three major carriers of how they plan to operate their systems under the new 2100 Mhz era. In DTAC's case, holding onto and continuing to use the two prior bands (850 and 1800 Mhz) that they already have.

TriNet has a smart system that automatically switches the network frequencies to match any usage style at any locations. So wherever you go, whether in BKK or out in the countryside, you can always use our service smoothly and uninterruptedly.

[Harper99]

To be a ble to select 52003 (Network - AIS) you may first need to register to AIS new 3G 2.1GHz. Just simply dial *988 from your phone, system will ask your passport number and you'll get sms back about the result when 3G will be available in your area. I did that, now im on 5203 new 3G a couple days ago, it's super fast but not so stable for some spot.

[petedk]

To be a ble to select 52003 (Network - AIS) you may first need to register to AIS new 3G 2.1GHz. Just simply dial *988 from your phone, system will ask your passport number and you'll get sms back about the result when 3G will be available in your area. I did that, now im on 5203 new 3G a couple days ago, it's super fast but not so stable for some spot.

As I mentioned in a previous post I registered my phone number for the 2.1 GHz network and they told me I would receive an SMS when they are ready to upgrade.

Well I received the SMS today that my number will upgraded to AIS 3G tonight.

I am looking forward to tomorrow.

[petedk]

Later I received a message

"Your number will be upgraded to AIS 3G tonight during 10 pm. to 7 am. Please keep using your current SIM+Phone and keep your phone turned on throughout the night. Upon completion, you will receive an SMS and the network signal will disappear. please then turn off and turn on your phone to start using AIS 3G"

Now 8.36 and no SMS and no service

I simply cannot use my phone.

[lomatopo]

Later I received a message

"Your number will be upgraded to AIS 3G tonight during 10 pm. to 7 am. Please keep using your current SIM+Phone and keep your phone turned on throughout the night. Upon completion, you will receive an SMS and the network signal will disappear. please then turn off and turn on your phone to start using AIS 3G"

Now 8.36 and no SMS and no service

I simply cannot use my phone.

What is the brand/model of your phone?

I would remove the SIM and battery, re-insert and re-boot the phone.

It seems like you should need a new APN configuration, maybe tick data roaming too.

I guess it could be that it is taking longer than AIS originally envisioned to cut over pre-subscribed users.

Sometimes it is best to let others blaze the trail.

edited to add: I did see some reports that the 'official' AIS turn-up might be delayed until 7 May, with TrueMove H following and 8 May and DTAC on 9 May. YMMV.

Edited May 3, 2013 by lomatopo

[petedk]

Later I received a message

"Your number will be upgraded to AIS 3G tonight during 10 pm. to 7 am. Please keep using your current SIM+Phone and keep your phone turned on throughout the night. Upon completion, you will receive an SMS and the network signal will disappear. please then turn off and turn on your phone to start using AIS 3G"

Now 8.36 and no SMS and no service

I simply cannot use my phone.

What is the brand/model of your phone?

I would remove the SIM and battery, re-insert and re-boot the phone.

It seems like you should need a new APN configuration, maybe tick data roaming too.

I guess it could be that it is taking longer than AIS originally envisioned to cut over pre-subscribed users.

Sometimes it is best to let others blaze the trail.

edited to add: I did see some reports that the 'official' AIS turn-up might be delayed until 7 May, with TrueMove H following and 8 May and DTAC on 9 May. YMMV.

Actually I have two phones and only received the message on one of them. A Nokia Lumia 920. The other a Galaxy S2 works just fine.

Yes, I thought about shutting down and turning on again but I'll wait a bit and see if I get the SMS they claim they would send.

I think it is taking them longer than they anticipated as the same thing happened to a colleague a few days ago. She said her phone was down for most of the following day.

[JoePai]

Upgraded my phone and it shows 3G but still the same speed

[lomatopo]

Some AIS details:

http://aisclub.ais.co.th/WebboardDetail.aspx?mid=28&room=55&qid=28123

http://aisclub.ais.co.th/WebboardDetail.aspx?mid=28&room=51&qid=28113

https://www.google.com/search?q=ais+2100+3g&aq=f&oq=ais+2100+3g&aqs=chrome.0.57j0j59l2j60j62.3523j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&tbs=qdr:d&sclient=psy-ab&q=ais+2100+3g+site:http%3A%2F%2Faisclub.ais.co.th%2F&oq=ais+2100+3g+site:http%3A%2F%2Faisclub.ais.co.th%2F&gs_l=serp.12...5524.11434.0.13598.7.7.0.0.0.0.1407.5603.5-4j2j1.7.0...0.0...1c.1j2.12.psy-ab.8ORUJCBW_Ho&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=d019b455b063b74a&biw=1920&bih=979

seems to indicate a May 7 "official" launch? YMMV.

"We're (almost) ready."

[petedk]

Upgraded my phone and it shows 3G but still the same speed

Try manually selecting 52003 network.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Regarding AIS and their rollout of their 2100 Mhz 3G service in the BKK area,I spoke on the phone yesterday with one of their CSRs about it who seemed reasonably knowledgeable... Here's what she had to say:

She said they'll be bringing up different areas in three different stages: some now in May, more later in July, and a final stage set for October. Apparently, at least for postpaid folks, they won't changeover your service to the 2100 Mhz band until the area where you live has the network 2100 Mhz system turned on.

Of course then I told here where I lived and asked about the timeframe. And she said she didn't have any map, and that there wasn't any map online, showing the three stages of rollout for BKK and which areas were covered by which stage.

I also asked about how their network would be configured. And she said once you're switched over to using the 2100 Mhz 3G band on your mobile, that that network then would be the primary one for both your voice calls and data use. But if you then happen to go to an area where the 2100 Mhz 3G service isn't available yet, at least for the near future, that your AIS service would automatically roam back to the original/current 900 Mhz band (assuming your mobile supports that) at no extra charge.

[petedk]

Regarding AIS and their rollout of their 2100 Mhz 3G service in the BKK area,I spoke on the phone yesterday with one of their CSRs about it who seemed reasonably knowledgeable... Here's what she had to say:

She said they'll be bringing up different areas in three different stages: some now in May, more later in July, and a final stage set for October. Apparently, at least for postpaid folks, they won't changeover your service to the 2100 Mhz band until the area where you live has the network 2100 Mhz system turned on.

Of course then I told here where I lived and asked about the timeframe. And she said she didn't have any map, and that there wasn't any map online, showing the three stages of rollout for BKK and which areas were covered by which stage.

I also asked about how their network would be configured. And she said once you're switched over to using the 2100 Mhz 3G band on your mobile, that that network then would be the primary one for both your voice calls and data use. But if you then happen to go to an area where the 2100 Mhz 3G service isn't available yet, at least for the near future, that your AIS service would automatically roam back to the original/current 900 Mhz band (assuming your mobile supports that) at no extra charge.

Sounds like a resonable explanation.I guess it will take them a long time. I have two numbers registered at the same address and so far only one has been upgraded.

Edited May 5, 2013 by petedk

[lomatopo]

From 13 April 2013:

AIS expects 200,000 users in 2100MHz network soft launch

11 Apr 2013

Thailand’s Advanced Info Service (AIS) soft launched its 2100MHz 3G network on 9 April to existing customers with compatible devices, and is targeting 200,000 users of the new infrastructure by the time of its official commercial launch scheduled for 8 May, The Nation reports. AIS will start acquiring brand new customers on the network from that date, and expects ten million 2100MHz W-CDMA/HSPA users by year-end. The new network currently covers main cities in 18 provinces and inner Bangkok, and is set to cover all main cities in 77 provinces by year-end, under a plan to increase 2100MHz cell sites from 3,600 currently to 3,800 at the commercial launch and 9,000 by end-December. AIS has earmarked THB70 billion (USD2.4 billion) investment to deploy 20,000 sites over three years. Rival DTAC has also set 8 May as its official 2100MHz 3G launch date, while True Corp is following an alternative strategy to introduce 4G technology in the 2100MHz band in May with coverage of 100 sites in Bangkok; this year True aims to deploy 5,000 3G 2100Hz sites nationwide and 2,000 4G 2100MHz sites in 15 major cities.

I can "see" these networks today:

Edited May 5, 2013 by lomatopo

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I was looking at my AIS postpaid account yesterday online via their E-Service portal (for existing customers). In looking at the 3G plans and pricing they were showing then, there appeared to be absolutely no differences/changes. And no decrease in call pricing shown, despite the promise that the new concession would bring that.

Perhaps it will surface in the future. It does seem that AIS is notoriously slow in updating their own website.

For example, after pre-registering my wife's postpaid AIS number for 2100 Mhz 3G using AIS E-Service portal, it took me to the following outdated info on an AIS webpage:

For example, if a customer has a mobile phone that operates on the 2100 MHz or 850 MHz frequencies, it cannot be used with the AIS 3G network. AIS 3G only supports the 900 MHz frequency. Moreover, 2G mobiles cannot be used with the AIS 3G network as the systems are different. Customers should choose a 3G mobile phone that is compatible with the 3G W-CDMA system on the 900 MHz frequency.

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/index_detail-en.html

Edited May 5, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[lomatopo]

The NBTC is all over the map on tariffs, both on concession networks and auction (2100 MHz) networks. Generally I am against government entities dictating pricing - customers and the 'market' can usually affect prices, esp. with MNP, but this is fall-out from the outcry that the NBTC f*cked up the auction. In theory, AIS, DTAC and TrueMove will initially offer post-paid services which are at least 15% below current pricing/packaging. I wouldn't expect those to be published until formal launch(es) on 7, 8 and 9 May at the earliest. The onus may be on the customer to re-subscribe to a new 2100 MHz bundle.

NBTC warns mobile operators over tariffs

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is giving mobile operators a gentle reminder to comply strictly with the regulator's third-generation (3G) tariff standards or face penalties ranging from a simple warning to a licence revocation. The warning comes a few days before the three mobile operators - Advanced Info Service (AIS), Total Access Communication (DTAC) and True Move - are scheduled to roll out their 3G services on the 2100-megahertz spectrum.

Representatives of the three private operators plus TOT Plc and CAT Telecom yesterday met the NBTC and committed themselves to a 15-20% price cut in 3G tariff plans, as stipulated by the watchdog.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

When I pre-registered my wife's AIS postpaid account today online, I got the same response SMS for her mobile as I got for mine when I preregistered mine a month or more ago: the 2100 Mhz service should be available in your (central BKK) area in May.

Haven't heard peepers from AIS since then.

[uhuh]

You are so lucky that you got a response from them at all.

i registered several numbers (and I am a high value customer). I never got any response from them.

As I said in another post, I will check out AIS 3G in 1 or 2 years again.

For now it is True Move H, CAT and TOT.

BTW do you remember the year 2007? In 2007, they promised us 3G for "next year"

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

AFAIK, anytime you pre-register with AIS online, you ought to get a confirmation SMS message sent to your mobile phone.

That doesn't mean they're going to provide the new 2100 Mhz 3G to you anytime soon. Just that they're acknowledging your interest and perhaps giving some general idea of timeframe for your area.

[lomatopo]

Not sure how accurate this information is, but it does seem to bode well for AIS customers:

(I suspect the figures were provided to the NBTC and NNT by the service providers, who may have reported base-stations which have been turned up, or interpreted the request for information differently?)

BANGKOK, 5 May 2013 (NNT) –A third-generation service on the 2.1-gigahertz bandwidth is expected to launch soon.

National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) secretary-general Thakorn Tanthasit disclosed that so far 3,650 base stations for 3G-2.1GHz service have been installed by the three holders of licenses, reflecting the readiness to commence the commercial service.

Out of 3,650 base stations, 3,512 belong to Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) of Advanced Info Service (AIS), 130 stations to DTAC Network (DTN) of Total Access Communication, and 8 stations to Real Future of True Corp.

1,017 base stations have been installed in Bangkok and 576 in its vicinities. 470 stations are located in the Central region, 371 in the North, 294 in the Northeast, 378 in the South, 511 in the East and 33 in the West.

NBTC is accelerating the finalization of the maximum benchmark rates for both audio and non-audio services, added the NBTC secretary-general.

For existing 2G customers, NBTC has urged the three operators to maintain the quality and good services. If experiencing problems such as connectivity interruption, slow internet connection, the customers can lodge their complaints via NBTC call center 120 or SMS 1200 free of charge.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNICT5605050010001

[lomatopo]

This presentation would seem to indicate that TrueMove is/will be bundling their 2100 MHz 3G (and small 2100 MHz 4G/LTE network) under the single, TrueMove H brand.

[lomatopo]

Here is a link to the rest of that TrueMove H presentation: http://www.mxphone.net/220213-truemove-h-announce-first-4g-and-best-3g/

where one slide indicates they have 2,100 4G/LTE (band 1, iPhone 5 model A1429 supports band 1) base-stations in Bangkok and "15 key cities".

Along with 11,000 CAT/850 MHz 3G base-stations, and 5,000 (according to the slide) 2,100 MHz 3G base-stations, TrueMove H would appear to be the clear leader.

[lomatopo]

I found this slide in a recent AIS presentation which pretty much shows all the details re: mobile spectrum....

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Out of 3,650 base stations, 3,512 belong to Advanced Wireless Network (AWN) of Advanced Info Service (AIS), 130 stations to DTAC Network (DTN) of Total Access Communication, and 8 stations to Real Future of True Corp.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNICT5605050010001

I'm trying to reconcile the 5,000 2100 Mhz 3G base stations reference in the True presentation photo you linked to on the website, with the reference to 8 Real Future 2100 Mhz 3G base stations cited in the government news release.

Since that same website photo references 2100 True 4G sites in BKK and 15 key cities, I'm assuming that part of the presentation depicted is showing True's future plans, as opposed to their current situation on the ground as of early May 2013.

Still, it doesn't make any sense to believe that True's only set up 8 base stations for the new 2100 Mhz 3G service as of any recent point in time. Unless perhaps True somehow hasn't officially transferred some portion of their base stations to the subsidiary entity Real Future as yet, Real Future being the subsidiary under which the new 2100 Mhz 3G service is supposed to operate.

Edited May 6, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[lomatopo]

I'm trying to reconcile the 5,000 2100 Mhz 3G base stations reference in the True presentation photo you linked to on the website, with the reference to 8 Real Future 2100 Mhz 3G base stations cited in the government news release.

.

Why? Not worth any effort at this point. Who knows what the NBTC actually meant? Or what the NNT reported? Or what True actually means on slides? I did say:, "I suspect the figures were provided to the NBTC and NNT by the service providers, who may have reported base-stations which have been turned up, or interpreted the request for information differently?".

[lomatopo]

Telecom firms to compete in network coverage

Usanee Mongkolporn,

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation May 7, 2013 1:00 am

Competition from the three telecom firms that hold licences for the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum will focus on the rapid expansion of network coverage nationwide in the initial stage and the sale of compatible mobile devices to ensure customers get a satisfactory experience from their broadband cellular service, executives said.

But it remains to be seen whether their parents can quickly migrate a great number of customers from their operations under state concessions to the 2.1GHz networks via the mobile-phone-number portability process, because of reluctant support from TOT and CAT Telecom.

Both state agencies have threatened to lodge complaints with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission that the regulator does not forbid some operators from transferring customers to the 2.1GHz networks via an SMS-based (texting) method, although it seems to contradict some NBTC regulations.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Telecom-firms-to-compete-to-enhance-30205503.html

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

News reports about AIS' 2100 Mhz 3G rollout announcement are talking about the company's new pricing plans offering a 15% increase in "capacity" instead of a 15% reduction in pricing.

Meanwhile, when I logged into the AIS EService site tonight, I saw the language there talking about the customer requesting a MNP change (Mobile Number Portability) from AIS to its new 3G arm AWN (Advanced Wireless Network). Not sure what that will mean in practical terms...

Here's the Thai webpage for AIS' new 3G service plans...

http://www.ais.co.th/3g/3g_package/index.html

Can't find the English version, if there is one, as yet.

Edited May 8, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK