TOT to build WiFi grid along skytrain routes

TOT to build WiFi grid along skytrain routes

Riders on the BTS will no longer have to use their precious 3G minutes, when a WiFi network opens along the entire length of the Bearing-Mo Chit line, possibly by September. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)
Riders on the BTS will no longer have to use their precious 3G minutes, when a WiFi network opens along the entire length of the Bearing-Mo Chit line, possibly by September. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)

TOT Plc will conduct a public WiFi trial along BTS skytrain routes by September in a bid to create a new, sustainable revenue source.

The trial phase will allow users to connect to free WiFi over the state telecom enterprise's 2300-megahertz spectrum for three months, between Bearing station and Mo Chit station with a total 22.2-kilometre network coverage.

After months of negotiations, BTS Group Holdings struck a deal with TOT to build WiFi networks along the BTS routes, said Djitt Laowattana, chairman of the strategic committee of the TOT board.

Under the agreement, TOT will invest 200 million baht on the trial phase of the project. BTS will pay TOT a network rental fee for WiFi access on a monthly or an annual basis.

However, Mr Djitt said TOT can also provide WiFi service on the network to condominiums and residential towers along skytrain routes which lie within a 20-km radius.

"We plan to charge a monthly fee of only 20 baht for our existing 3G customers who use its WiFi service," he said.

TOT has only 200,000 3G subscribers spending an average of 200 baht per month.

Mr Djitt said TOT will not invest heavily in the 3G mobile network because it could not compete with private mobile operators.

"We will focus on providing service in the areas with strong demand," he added.

TOT has held 64MHz of bandwidth on the 2300MHz spectrum for decades, which is currently unused. The frequency now serves transmission links for telecom services.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission gave the green light to TOT's proposal last November to develop its existing 2300MHz spectrum to provide wireless broadband service until 2025.

Mr Djitt said TOT is also on the verge of building a national broadband network enabling affordable internet access to 39,000 villages nationwide. There are a total 79,000 villages across the country, 40,000 of which already have broadband internet connection.

The government allocated 20 billion to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry to develop ICT-related projects and support digital economy policies.

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