TOT readies 5G public services in EEC

State telecom enterprise TOT is gearing up for 5G-related solutions in public services in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) through the 26-gigahertz spectrum range with an initial budget of 4.9 billion baht for network installation.

The services include smart education, environment management for “smart city” initiatives, and support for vertical industries with a real-time cloud computing server.

TOT expects to finish upgrading its core network and installing the new core network with 5G standalone (SA) technology under the 4.9-billion-baht budget within six months, said Djitt Laowattana, chairman of strategic committee and member of the TOT board.

TOT set aside 13 billion baht for the total network installation, which is projected to be completed in a few years.

The 5G SA network would provide fast internet connection speeds and minimal network latency, said Mr Djitt.

The 5G SA network is independent of the 4G network.

He said there is no need for TOT to invest in the network across the country.

TOT will focus more on area-based targets, which is more practical in meeting real demand.

The state telecom does not have an enormous budget to compete on services with private operators, said Mr Djitt.

At February’s 5G spectrum licence auction, TOT secured four slots on the 26GHz range and CAT won two slots of the 700MHz range.

The merger of the state telecom enterprises into National Telecom (NT) is scheduled to be completed in January 2021.

“The merger will provide a pool of spectrum resources that can be used by NT,” he said.

Mr Djitt, also a special adviser for education, human capital and tech management at the EEC Office, pointed out EEC areas need several government services to be upgraded through 5G tech.

Such public services may be of less interest to private operators because there is a very low profit margin, he said.

TOT can fill the gap as it secured the 26GHz spectrum slots at the 5G auction.

In the EEC, Chachoengsao has been designated an area for integrated medical services and 5G-supported medical advancement, which would be the priority for TOT, said Mr Djitt.

The 26GHz range, a high-frequency band, needs to be used for specific segments where there is actual demand as the range requires a density of cellular tower installation.

He said TOT plans to reach out to local startups to help them create digital platforms.

TOT also wants to build a team to develop its own service platforms, said Mr Djitt.

“TOT would become an infra-sharing provider, ushering in public services embedded with artificial intelligence and data analytics,” he said.