Fourth-generation wireless broadband service is expected to become a mass-market phenomenon two years after the 4G spectrum auctions take place this year.
With greater availability of affordable 4G devices and abundant 4G spectrum resources, mobile operators can build strong momentum in the market, said Woragarn Likhitdechasakdi, deputy director of network solutions at Huawei Technology (Thailand).
"Mobile operators can expect to earn more revenue from data services amid fierce price competition," he said.
Video streaming over the 4G network is expected to be the basic service that will drive average revenue per user for mobile operators.
The advent of 4G service has increased the minimum data download speed offered to 100 Mbps from 384 Kbps for 3G service.
Mobile operators have chosen the long-term evolution (LTE) technology standard for the development of the 4G network infrastructure.
According to international reports, 4G service has stimulated customers to use 10% more data, Mr Woragarn said.
In addition, 30% of subscribers have signed up for 4G service, generating up to 70% of operators' total revenue.
In line with global markets, Mr Woragarn said he believed video streaming in Thailand would double after operators launched their 4G commercial services.
There are 7 billion mobile subscribers globally, with 1 billion using 4G on LTE networks operated by 400 operators.
The number of 4G users is expected to reach 3 billion by 2020.
Mr Woragarn said the driving force for the development of the 4G market was the greater availability of affordable smartphones, now priced below US$50 in the global market including Thailand.
The number of 4G phones in Thailand is expected to explode next year, with 80% of new handset models 4G-enabled.
More frequency bands have also been developed to serve 4G LTE technology, with spectra ranging from 450-2600 megahertz.
Mr Woragarn said 4G technology would further converge the physical and digital worlds.
"We'll see greater connectivity between people and home appliances, vehicles and a variety of machines on the 4G technology platform," he said.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission plans to auction 50 MHz of bandwidth on the 1800- and 900-MHz spectra on Nov 11.
Mr Woragarn said China was the major market accelerating the global transition to 4G LTE technology.
That country has 450 million 4G subscribers connected to 2 million LTE 4G base stations.