Total Access Communication (DTAC), the country's second-ranked mobile operator, has unveiled its Trinet brand for its licensing-based third-generation (3G) mobile service, with commercial launch scheduled for May 9.
The launch date of the Norwegian operator will come only one day after its bigger rivals Advanced Info Service (AIS) officially introduces its own 3G service on the 2100-megahertz spectrum.
Pakorn Pannachet, a senior vice-president of DTAC, pointed out the word Trinet comes from the company's three cellular spectra _ 1800, 850 and 2100 MHz.
The 1800-MHz spectrum will serve 2G voice service and data communications on the Edge network system, while 2100 MHz will accommodate heavy high-speed data use indoors in major cities and other high-density areas, said Mr Pakorn.
He said the 850-MHz spectrum will cater to heavy data use upcountry.
"Given our abundance of cellular spectra, we can manage our 3G services to maximise customers' requirements and satisfaction," said Mr Pakorn.
DTAC plans to spend big to promote its Trinet brand this year, an amount about equal to when the company changed its logo.
Mr Pakorn said 6 million DTAC customers use 3G-enabled smartphones, with 75% of them using 3G smartphones that support the three spectra.
DTAC has a core network system that can automatically switch networks for users, he said.
To sign up with DTAC's Trinet service, customers can dial *3000*, enter their national ID card number, then press the # sign and call out.
DTAC hopes to have 10 million 3G users by year-end, said Mr Pakorn.
AIS announced that May 8 will see the official launch for its 2100-MHz-based 3G commercial service in 18 provinces.
The country's largest mobile operator plans to expand the service to cover the entire country by year-end.
AIS yesterday has started allowing customers to test its 3G service at AIS shops nationwide.
It expects to have 10 million 3G subscribers this year.
Third-ranked operator True Move is also gearing up to promote its 3G service under the True Move H brand on the 850- and 2100-MHz spectra.
The company expects to have 6 million 3G users this year, up from 2.8 million last year.
Shares of DTAC closed yesterday on the SET at 103 baht, down 1.50 baht, in trade worth 328 million baht.