Thai Operator Starts Testing 3G at 900Mhz

­Thai network operator, Total Access Communication (dtac) has announced the start of a trial of a 3G network operating in the 900Mhz spectrum bands. In the initial part of the trial, the trial area will cover Chulalongkorn University, Pantip Plaza and MBK shopping centers, Siam Square, Sam Yan, and Chamchuri Square. Later the coverage area will be expanded to other areas in Bangkok.

"Once we are licensed to offer 3G services commercially, we aim to take the leadership position by being the operator that gives the best experience to our customers. So the main purpose of this trial is not to test the technology, which has long been well proven in many countries around the world, but to ensure that the value chain is prepared for commercial operations later on - especially for the upcoming new 3G licenses scheduled later this year," said dtac CEO Tore Johnsen.

"We also plan to carry out a comprehensive customer survey from the beginning to the end of the project to learn and get feedback on customer satisfaction. This will not only give us better insight into actual customer behavior and demands, but also will assist dtac in designing better products and services ready for the commercial launch in the future," added Tore.

dtac, in cooperation with CAT, conducts the trial based on HSPA technology over dtac's existing 850MHz frequency with an approximate budget of 100 million baht. The trial will start from beginning of September and is currently scheduled until the end of December.

The government has not yet formally awarded 3G licenses to the operators, but these are expected to be tendered shortly.

Posted to the site on 2nd September 2009