DTAC begins Bangkok trial of 3G wireless broadband

       Total Access Communication (DTAC) yesterday kicked off a non-commercial trial of a third-generation wireless broadband service on its existing 850-megahertz spectrum.
       The move is aimed at preparing itself for the expected granting of 3G licences.
       CEO Tore Johnsen said the main purpose of the "DTAC Mobile Internet on 3G" trial was not to test the well-proven 3G technology, but rather to ensure the company's operations were prepared for upcoming commercial operations, especially the granting of new 3G licences.
       The area covered by the initial phase of the trial includes Chulalongkorn University, Pantip Plaza, MBK Centre, Siam Square, the Samyan area and Chamchuri Square, using 18 3G base stations. The coverage area will soon be expanded to other areas of Bangkok from an additional 18 base stations.
       DTAC will start giving out free 3G air cards and free airtime today to 2,000 selected users of laptop computers who will access the wireless broadband Internet service via the 3G network throughout the trial period, which runs until December 31.
       The trial will cost Bt100 million, for
       network development and marketing activities.
       Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Move have already test-launched 3G services on their existing spectra, ahead of DTAC.
       AIS began a trial on its existing 900MHz spectrum in Chiang Mai in June 2008 and later in central Bangkok, while True Move recently launched a 3G trial on its 800MHz spectrum in central Bangkok and Hua Hin.
       During its trial, DTAC plans to conduct a customer survey to gather feedback on customer satisfaction, giving it better insight into customer behaviour and demands and assisting in the design of better products and services.
       DTAC cited studies by the National Statistical Office, TOT and the Boston Consulting Group that found the number of broadband subscribers in Thailand rose from 200,000 in 2000 to 1.8 million last year. However, it said broadband use was still limited by coverage from fixed-line networks that did not reach households in remote areas.
       DTAC has said many times it wants to launch 3G services on both the 850MHz and 2.1-gigahertz spectra.
       The National Telecommunications Commission plans to auction four licences on the 2.1GHz 3G spectrum but has yet to set a date. Telecommunications-industry sources believe the auction will take place either late this year or early next year.
       DTAC is also waiting for a state committee set up under Article 22 of the Public-Private Joint Venture Act to approve the commercial launch of its 3G service on the 850MHz spectrum. Earlier, CAT Telecom, which owns DTAC's mobile concession, said it expected approval to be given in this year's second quarter.
       Meanwhile, Johnsen said he believed Thailand's economy would pick up slightly in the second half of the year but cautioned a full recovery would take time.