The number of third-generation (3G) wireless broadband users in Thailand will more than double this year, increasing to 25 million as mobile operators compete in the promising new field, says an executive of Total Access Communication (DTAC).
The country's second-largest mobile operator expects the number of its 3G users on both the 850- and 2100-megahertz frequency to triple to 10 million this year, said DTAC marketing head Pakorn Pannachet.
Operators are gearing up to roll out their 3G services on the 2100-MHz frequency in an effort to escape the shackles of their current concession contracts and move to a cheaper licensing regime.
But DTAC plans to launch its 2100-MHz 3G services in late June, ignoring plans by rivals AIS and True Move to start services earlier, said Mr Pakorn. AIS plans to roll out its 3G services next month, while True Move wants to start 4G services next month.
DTAC has 15,700 base stations nationwide, of which 10,500 are 2G bases and 5,200 are for 3G.
Mr Pakorn said all 15,700 base stations have 3G-ready equipment. DTAC also holds the rights to operate mobile services on three bands _ the 850-, 1800- and 2100-MHz frequencies, which its rivals cannot claim.
DTAC operates 2G mobile service on the 1800-MHz band under a concession with CAT Telecom, which is due to expire in 2018. The company also runs 3G HSPA on the 850-MHz spectrum under agreements with CAT.
It has 25 million subscribers, while Advanced Info Service has 34 million and True Move 20 million.
Mr Pakorn said availability of 2100-MHz-enabled handsets will be crucial to attract mobile users to 3G.
"As many as 50 million handsets in Thailand must be replaced once the 2100-MHz 3G service is launched," he said.