DTAC adds in Bt10 bn for 3G, 4G expansion

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DTAC adds in Bt10 bn for 3G, 4G expansion
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Total Access Communication (DTAC) will spend Bt10 billion over the next six months to expand its third- and fourth-generation wireless broadband coverage in the Bangkok metropolitan area and 30 other major cities to serve surging demand.

This is additional spending. Earlier as part of its market guidance in the second quarter, it had maintained capital expenditure of Bt13 billion this year.

DTAC's interim chief executive officer Sigve Brekke said this additional investment would enable customers to enjoy consistent performance across the networks and higher quality on the 20 most-used data services, such as Facebook, Instagram, Line and Twitter.

DTAC offers 3G mobile broadband service on the 850-megahertz and 2.1-gigahertz spectra and 4G service on 2.1GHz only.

The Bt10 billion will be spent on expanding DTAC's 3G and 4G networks by 6,500 sites in Greater Bangkok and 30 other major cities by March 31. The number of 3G-850MHz sites will be expanded by 3,800, for a total of 15,000 on both spectra nationwide. The 4G network will be expanded by 2,700 sites to total 3,000 nationwide.

Brekke said DTAC would also adjust its brand to look more "emotional".

Brekke back

DTAC appointed Brekke to head the company again as an interim CEO early this month after the resignation of Jon Eddy Abdullah as chief executive. Brekke has significant experience at DTAC, currently acting as vice chairman of the board and previously heading up the company as CEO from 2005 to 2008. He continues in his role as executive vice president and head of Telenor Group's Asia operations. Telenor is DTAC's strategic partner.

Brekke said the Thai telecommunications market was much tougher than when he was CEO at DTAC, as its rivals were getting stronger.

True was the first cellular operator to launch a commercial 4G service in this country, using the 2.1GHz spectrum. The company recently recruited China Mobile as its 18-per-cent foreign strategic partner.

Advanced Info Service has yet to offer 4G.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/DTAC-adds-in-Bt10-bn-for-3G-4G-expansion-30244144.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-26