Nokia unit urges quick local adoption of 4G

Nokia unit urges quick local adoption of 4G

Thailand should proceed rapidly towards fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband service to capitalise on the explosion in data traffic, says Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN).

Preiss: Mobile data traffic grew by 120%

Formerly known as Nokia Siemens Networks, NSN was a joint venture between Finland's Nokia and Germany's Siemens AG until Nokia acquired full control this year.

The multinational data networking and telecommunications equipment firm is urging Thailand's telecom regulator to start using the 1800-megahertz spectrum for the super-fast 4G technology.

"Thailand is now ready for 4G service, evidenced by the 120% surge in the local mobile data traffic growth this year," said Harald Preiss, the new head of the company's Asia North region, which includes Thailand.

"We expect a Thai will consume one gigabyte per day by 2020, up from an average of 300 megabytes a month this year."

The number of Facebook users in Thailand rose by 28.6% to 18 million between this past April and September alone.

The number of Twitter users reached 2 million during that period, while Instagram users totalled 603,288.

In addition, Mr Preiss said 4G-enabled mobiles are declining in price and can support multiple frequencies.

He suggested the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission auction the available 1800- and 900-MHz spectra next year as scheduled.

Long-term evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced (4.5G) technologies are workable on various spectrum bands, providing greater flexibility and more alternatives for operators, said Mr Preiss.

Globally 213 operators provide commercial LTE networks, and NSN deploys seven of the eight largest LTE deployment networks in Asia.

Japan, South Korea and the US are the world's top three countries using LTE for their mobile networks.

Mr Preiss pointed to South Korea, where mobile operators enjoyed an increase of 20% in data revenue after adopting LTE.

"Thailand has posted the highest business growth for us out of the seven countries in Asia North's operations thanks to growing network spending in the Kingdom," he said.

Besides Thailand, NSN's Asia North subregion covers Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Mr Preiss said NSN will maintain its focus on mobile broadband networks.

The company reported global second-quarter sales of 2.8 million euros (119 million baht).

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