Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), a subsidiary of the mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS), will officially roll out its third-generation (3G) service on the 2100-megahertz spectrum on May 8 and expects subscribers to reach 8 million this year.
Models show the new Vertu smartphone powered by the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The luxury unit with a titanium frame is priced from 340,000 to 699,000 baht. WISIT THAMNGERN
AIS chief executive Wichian Mektrakarn said the soft launch will begin next Tuesday, letting thousands of existing customers experience data service at higher speeds.
With its efforts to secure the leadership position in 3G service, AIS hopes to seize the advantage of first mover amid fierce competition.
The company is speeding plans to install 3G base stations covering at least 8 million subscribers this year.
AIS says it must hurry the roll-out with full network capacity to avoid the possibility of competitive disadvantage.
Company officials have vowed to preserve AIS's No.1 market share in the data service segment.
In related news, the NBTC is urging 3G licensees on the 2100-MHz spectrum to seek a resolution for gradually boosting number portability to its full capacity.
The NBTC's portability regulation lets a mobile subscriber switch to a different network while keeping the existing phone number. Five telecom firms co-founded the clearing house for the service.
Combined capacity for portability is now 40,000 numbers per day.