AIS 3G-2.1GHz closes in on subscriber target of 12m

[webfact]

AIS 3G-2.1GHz closes in on subscriber target of 12m
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The country's largest cellular operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), has already achieved around 10.8 million subscribers to its third-generation wireless broadband service on the 2.1-gigahertz spectrum, well on its way to this year's target of 12 million customers.

Of the current 2.1GHz customers, half migrated from the AIS 2G network to its 2.1GHz subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network, and the rest are newly acquired AWN subscribers, said AIS chief executive officer Wichian Mektrakarn.

AWN debuted the 3G-2.1GHz service in April. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunica-tions Commission (NBTC) last December awarded 2.1GHz licences to AWN, DTAC TriNet of Total Access Communication, and Real Future of True Corp.

AWN's 3G network now covers main cities in 77 provinces, totalling around 10,000 base-station sites. By the end of the second quarter of 2014, the coverage will equal that of the AIS 2G network, totalling around 14,000 sites.

These achievements were all part of AIS's initial targets. The next target is to retain the company's leadership in all aspects by maximising benefits for Thais, leveraging on 3G technology hereafter, Wichian said.

AIS has set its 2013 revenue growth target from the service at 6-8 per cent year on year.

AIS yesterday completed its 23rd year of service. Wichian added that besides developing its 3G-2.1GHz service, the company was ready to bid for a 4G licence. The NBTC is expected to call for such bids late next year.

During the introduction period of 3G service, AIS communicated with customers the theme "AIS 3G-2.1GHz, the Real One with World Standard". Yesterday it took a further step, adopting the concept of "Better Understanding Customer Demand for Every Aspect of Life".

AIS's share price yesterday closed at Bt257, up 0.78 per cent.

-- The Nation 2013-10-02

[muratremix]

14.000 base stations will not cover 14.000 900mhz base stations previous coverage area. They need to double it if they want nationwide coverage again.

[lomatopo]

Pretty amazing that they've ported 5.4 million customers, and have another 5.4 million net-adds.

Their 900 MHz concession runs to 2015 so they can accommodate customers easily.

[jbrain]

14.000 base stations will not cover 14.000 900mhz base stations previous coverage area. They need to double it if they want nationwide coverage again.

Nationwide ? I'm only 10 km outside pattaya, at 500 meter from a major intersection ( Highway 7 and 36 ) and the best I can get is Edge, but most of the time I can't even check my email.

Of course, I get sms messages for 9 months already that they're investigating my problem

[DGIE]

this year's target is 12 million customers.

Wata big business! But that is feasible. They can exceed the target because It is convenient to users.

[BKS22]

14.000 base stations will not cover 14.000 900mhz base stations previous coverage area. They need to double it if they want nationwide coverage again.

Nationwide ? I'm only 10 km outside pattaya, at 500 meter from a major intersection ( Highway 7 and 36 ) and the best I can get is Edge, but most of the time I can't even check my email.

Of course, I get sms messages for 9 months already that they're investigating my problem

With this experience wouldn't you want to switch? Have you tried TrueMove in the same area and compared?

[DGIE]

just imagine how huge are the users of 3G. Ride in a BTS, or bus , so many are enjoying internet. They can access to internet easily.

[NanLaew]

14.000 base stations will not cover 14.000 900mhz base stations previous coverage area. They need to double it if they want nationwide coverage again.

Nationwide ? I'm only 10 km outside pattaya, at 500 meter from a major intersection ( Highway 7 and 36 ) and the best I can get is Edge, but most of the time I can't even check my email.

Of course, I get sms messages for 9 months already that they're investigating my problem

The vagaries of location versus cell tower means it is always possible to be in a blind spot, right in the middle of their network coverage. This happens everywhere, not just Thailand. I am about 3.5km from your intersection and have the hottest AIS 3G connection I have experienced anywhere in Thailand. The cell tower is less than 100m from the house according to the Network Signal Info app on the smartphone.