AIS raises the stakes with free service for one month

Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) has mounted a counteroffensive against rival True Move by announcing a one-month free trial of fourth-generation (4G) mobile internet service.

Up to four gigabytes of data a month will be free to use, said Somchai Lertsuthiwong, chief executive of the country’s biggest mobile operator.

“We plan to launch our 4G commercial service on the 1800-MHz spectrum in January,” he said.

AIS, through subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network, earlier announced it would launch its 4G commercial service in the middle of this month.

“We want to make sure our customers get AIS’s 4G mobile broadband coverage in all areas,” Mr Somchai said, adding that AIS planned to sustain its leadership in the overall mobile market.

The AIS board approved 14.5 billion baht for the 4G network roll-out next month.

By then, AIS will have 6,000 4G base stations, up from 1,500 now.

The board will consider another budget for the next phase of 4G expansion early next year.

AIS will become the third mobile operator to introduce commercial 4G service after True Move two years ago and Total Access Communication this year.

As of September, AIS had 37.8 million subscribers.

They consisted of 35.9 million 3G customers and 1.9 million 2G users.

AIS yesterday unveiled its 4G brand, 4G Advanced, for the 1800-MHz service.

Mr Somchai said 4G service in Thailand was likely to reach mass-market status in 2016 thanks to a greater variety of affordable 4G smartphones and attractive promotional tariff packages.

Video streaming is expected to be the most popular application.

The high-speed wireless broadband network can also enhance machine-tomachine communication and the Internet of Things, Mr Somchai said.

Col Settapong Malisuwan, vice-chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, has said all 4G service providers must offer highquality services at lower cost than existing 3G tariff rates.

He ordered 4G licensees to submit their business plans to the regulator to ensure compliance in the areas of consumer protection, social responsibility and importation of 4G equipment.

Globally, the 1800-MHz band is already a proven band for 4G long-term evolution service, supporting a wide range of devices.

Having both the 1800- and 900-MHz bands in an integrated ecosystem will provide a spectrum footprint across frequencies, ensuring significant network capacity and deep coverage, Col Settapong said.

AIS shares (ADVANC) closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 202 baht, down four baht, in heavy trade worth 1.32 billion baht.