EDGE Roaming Launched

Hong Kong's CSL and Thailand's AIS have launched the world's first EDGE Roaming Service. CSL customers using EDGE-enabled handsets such as the Nokia 6220 and 3200 can now enjoy an EDGE-supported applications while in Bangkok. AIS customers can also enjoy the same service when roaming on the CSL network in Hong Kong.

Mike Robey, CSL's Chief Operating Officer said: "Thailand is one of the top five roaming destinations for CSL customers. We are pleased to partner with AIS, the largest mobile operator in Thailand, to offer the world's first EDGE Roaming Service. We already established a GPRS roaming partnership with them in January 2002. With our pioneering EDGE networks and experience in the provision of GPRS roaming services, we can give our customers better service reliability, capacity and speed when roaming. Meanwhile, CSL is working actively to build EDGE roaming coverage in Asia, North America and Australia as soon as EDGE is deployed in these regions."

Mr. Kittsanan Ngamphathipong, Executive Vice President Marketing of AIS disclosed "At present AIS customers roaming with their mobile phone to Hong Kong is ranked the third among all roaming countries and the usage of data service through GPRS Roaming is encouraging. Therefore, technology should be developed to meet the demand. Moreover, growth rate of GPRS users in AIS reaches about 300,000 in number per month, following the development of mobileLIFE, a wide array of value added services pertinent to each lifestyle segment. In addition, CSL is the first in Asia to launch commercial EDGE service. Hence, the cooperation in the launch of EDGE roaming will definitely facilitate and satisfy the demand in wireless service of roaming users of both operators."

CSL launched its commercial EDGE network in Hong Kong in September, making it the first mobile service provider in Asia to do so. In October, AIS was the first operator in Thailand to officially launch the service. The partnership enables customers of both operators to be able to enjoy a rich range of higher speed data applications when using EDGE-enabled devices, not only in their home country but also roaming in Hong Kong and Bangkok."

Posted to the site on 6th November 2003