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True targets 1 million 4G subscribers [Bangkok Post, Thailand :: ]
[April 17, 2014]

True targets 1 million 4G subscribers [Bangkok Post, Thailand :: ]


(Bangkok Post (Thailand) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 18--True Move, Thailand's third-largest mobile operator, has set an ambitious target of 1 million subscribers for its fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband service this year after completing its first-phase network rollout.



The company now has around 250,000 customers using 4G LTE (long-term evolution) mobile services on the 2100-megahertz spectrum that provides speeds five times faster than 3G.

To date, True Move has launched 4G in 14 major provinces including Bangkok after the its 4G commercial service debut last year.


Papon Ratanachaikanont, group executive director for strategic business development of True, said Thailand is now ready for 4G mobile services due to the proliferation of smart devices and skyrocketing demand for faster mobile data services.

True Move is introducing a 35-million-baht promotional campaign to attract customers using its 4G services. The campaign's offering starts from giving away a slew of tour packages in a lucky draw which has a Ferrari as its top prize ? which reflects the superior capacity of 4G technology.

Mr Papon said at least 3 million people in Thailand carried 4G-compatible smartphones, 45% of whom are True Move subscribers using both 3G and 4G services.

Based on global research firm IDC, he said sales of smartphones in Thailand are expected to reach 13 million units this year.

"We're confident of achieving the 1-million target of 4G customers this year, helped by our quality service standard and the promotional campaign," said Mr Papon.

To be eligible for the campaign, he said only existing postpaid customers or new customers who want to switch or sign up with True's 4G service can choose one of 33 tariff plans offerings.

Earlier, True chief executive Suphachai Chearavanont said consumption of bandwidth is set to skyrocket once private and state telecom operators start competing to take the lead in the 3G and 4G markets.

There are three major private mobile operators providing 3G services on the 2100-MHz spectrum in Thailand: AWN Co, the 3G arm of mobile leader Advanced Info Service; DTAC Network of Total Access Communication; and Real Future of True Corporation.

True subsidiaries Real Move and Real Future hold a 14-year wholesale and resell contract granted by its concession owner CAT Telecom to provide 3G services on the 850-MHz spectrum.

___ (c)2014 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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