True lays out B40bn to expand 4G reach

Firm aims to cover all 77 provinces in 2016

True Move has earmarked 40 billion baht to expand its fourth-generation network nationwide over the next two years in a bid to retain its fourth-generation (4G) leadership.

The country’s third-largest mobile operator announced the launch of commercial 4G service on the 1800-megahertz spectrum yesterday, the same day it obtained its 4G licence.

Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive of True Corporation, the parent firm of True Move, said the company expected to double the number of 4G subscribers to 4 million next year.

“Our 4G service on the 1800-MHz spectrum will cover all 77 provinces in 2016,” he said.

True Move, through subsidiary True Move H Universal Communication Co (TUC), has also operated 4G service on 10 MHz of bandwidth on the 2100-MHz spectrum since early 2013. The company has a combined 25 MHz of operating bandwidth for 4G commercial service, the highest amount of 4G bandwidth.

True will reserve 5 MHz out of 15 MHz on the 1800-MHz spectrum to provide 2G service for another year.

Mr Suphachai said True Move had transferred its existing 43,000 customers on its 2G network to TUC’s 1800MHz network.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission ordered True Move to switch off its 2G mobile signal on the 1800-MHz spectrum as of midnight last night, as stipulated by the auction rules.

True Move previously operated 2G service on the 1800-MHz spectrum under a concession agreement with CAT Telecom.

Mr Suphachai said TUC would provide 2G service until next year.

“By 2017, our mobile network on all frequencies will serve only 3G and 4G users,” he said.

True Move has 10,000 3G base stations nationwide on the 2100-MHz spectrum, and 4G equipment will be installed on top of these base stations.

Mr Suphachai said True Move was determined to win another 4G licence in the auction for the 900-MHz spectrum, which is scheduled for Dec 15.