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Technology Thailand

Where Thais and technology clash

by Jesada Chandraprasert, Thailand

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AIS puts a hold on 3G expansion

Jun 6, 2009 15:02

AIS has announced that it will suspend expansion of its 900MHz-based 3G service in order to avoid congestion on its already busy network. However, it does look intent on making the most of its base stations to its fullest. Just yesterday, I ran into an AIS event in Chiang Mai's Central Airport Plaza, promoting its 3G service in Chiang Mai and new equipment for home use.

Along with a handful of low-cost handsets, an interesting piece of gear was its 3G router. Priced at about 7,000 baht, it costs as much as a low-cost 3G handset. With 3G coverage in the Muang and immediate surrounding districts, this can be viewed as a direct threat on landline-based services which rarely stretch out beyond 10km of the city center.

The only competing wireless service is CAT's CDMA Rev 2, which offers a better price at just under 1,000 baht for unlimited data vs. AIS' incremental packages. Other competitors would be the Wi-Fi service providers that have somewhat scattered coverage in the Muang region of Chiang Mai. True Move fits somewhere in between with EDGE + Wi-Fi hotspot coverage in the Muang region, with sketchy EDGE and GPRS services out of town.

Also notable is TT&T's attempt at a Phoenix re-enactment with the help of its creditors to become a leader in WiMAX and 3G services. The bankruptcy court has just named P Planner as overseer to the company's rehab.

AIS' delay is not likely a plan to give up its 3G aspiration as its competitors are looking to get a slice of the 3G pie. However, this announcement comes not long after TOT's announcement for bids to use its planned nationwide 3G network, so there could be some potential for something along that line.

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