Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country's largest mobile operator, says it completed nationwide deployment of its third-generation (3G) network two years ahead of the deadline set by the national regulator.
AIS said it has 17,000 3G base stations on the 2100-MHz spectrum, covering 95% of the population.
"We have the most 3G base stations after spending 60 billion baht," said Pratthana Leelapanangm executive vice-president for marketing of AIS.
He said AIS plans to rely on its network strength and after-sales service to sustain its pole position in the local mobile market.
The company plans to spend 1 billion baht installing thousands of small mobile cell sites to increase network capacity in high-density usage areas in major cities.
"Since we started 3G mobile broadband service on the 2100-MHz spectrum last year, our mobile data usage surged by almost 300% thanks to the popularity of social networks and video content services," he said.
Average revenue per 3G user is 20-30% higher than a 2G customer.
Mr Pratthana said AIS expects 75% of its 42 million subscribers to have 3G service this year. As of March 31, AIS had 26 million 3G customers.
3G adoption exceeded the company's expectation thanks to heavy competition among operators. "We initially planned to reach 26 million 3G users by the end of this year," he said.
Mr Pratthana said mobile data revenue will overtake voice-based revenue and AIS is seeking additional revenue from mobile content and services.
The company is preparing to launch its own 3G-enabled mobile phone priced below 800 baht to attract low-end prepaid customers migrating to 3G service.
AIS is spending 350 million baht to give away free smartphones to its customers, plus free data tariff plans and mobile applications. AIS customers who want these privileges can dial *00333# tomorrow only from 9am to noon.
He said competition in the local 3G market looks set to intensify as other operators complete their network expansion.
Thailand expects over 30 million mobile internet users this year, up from 24 million last year. AIS has 14 million mobile internet users.