SET-listed CS Loxinfo Plc (CSL) plans to expand its data centre infrastructure at a cost of 350 million baht in a bid to prepare for the new wave of the digital economy.
The internet-service arm of Thaicom Plc plans to start construction of the second phase of its third data centre next year, scheduled to be completed in 2019, managing director Anant Kaewruamwongs said yesterday.
"The expansion is needed to capitalise on the expected surge in mobile data traffic stemming from the imminent 4G and cloud-based services," he said.
The first phase of its third data centre facility is expected to reach full capacity in 2017 after it started operation in last year's fourth quarter.
Mr Anant said internet, data centre and cloud services would be the main engines of revenue growth under its seven-year ICT business strategy.
Currently, the turnkey system integration service is the major revenue generator for Loxinfo.
The company has 6,000 broadband internet corporate users.
Mr Anant said the company was resuming high-speed internet service to retail customers after it quit the market segment almost a decade ago due to intense competition.
"We're focusing on customers living in apartments and condominiums, as they have a limited choice of internet service providers," he said.
Mr Anant expressed confidence in the company's effective localised marketing strategy to help it compete with rivals and enjoy sustainable growth.
The ICT business accounts for 70% of Loxinfo's total, 20% from its subsidiary AD Venture Plc, which provides enterprise applications through text messages, and 10% from the telephone directory operated by Teleinfo Media Plc.
Mr Anant said AD Venture would focus this year on further developing mobile apps for the corporate sector.
The company is looking to partner with tech start-up firms to co-develop money-making mobile apps to serve growing demand.
AD Venture's revenue and profit declined by 40% last year due mainly to the migration to 3G mobile broadband service from from 2G.
CSL shares closed yesterday on the SET at 7.80 baht, unchanged, in trade worth 2.86 million baht.