Largest mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) has entered an exclusive partnership deal with SET-listed mobile distributor Jay Mart to meld their core businesses through co-distribution of digital products and services.
Under the deal, which takes effect on Monday, all marketing channels under Jay Mart will sell the full range of AIS's special products and services.
AIS will bring technology and digital infrastructure to enhance the business and customer service capabilities of Jay Mart and its subsidiaries for further innovative service development in the future.
AIS chief consumer business officer Pratthana Leelapanang said the deal will directly help expand AIS's subscriber base through a larger mass channel and more attractive promotions designed exclusively for customers.
However, he did not provide a specific number of new subscribers expected to be generated by the deal.
"It's too early to set a target, but this is a win-win deal that will surely foster the business efficiency of the two parties," Mr Pratthana said.
There are 94 million mobile service subscribers in the country. Of the total, 75% are smartphone users.
As of June, AIS had 40.1 million subscribers. Mr Pratthana said it would be good if a further 50 million subscribers with other operators shift to AIS.
According to a recent report on the mobile industry in Thailand, there are more than 15 million new device sales a year and over 20 million data plans are upgraded each year, with more than 12 million application downloads annually.
Mr Pratthana said AIS has 480 AIS and Telewiz shops. It has 1,200 AIS Buddy retail outlets and 200 shops in Tesco Lotus supermarkets nationwide.
Mr Pratthana said the partnership will strengthen the business network for both parties through a total of 443 Jay Mart stores and Jay Mart subsidiary Singer's dealers.
Singer has more than 3,000 salespeople throughout the country. Jay Mart has 1,500 dealers at IT malls nationwide.
Jay Mart chief executive Adisak Sukumvitaya said Jay Mart's channels sell 100,000 smart devices a month.
Of the total, 5,000 units were sold through Singer, a leading network of direct sales marketing, providing loans and leasing for consumers.
Jay Mart targets sales for postpaid SIM cards via all channels to grow by 300% by the end of this year.
Mr Adisak said the deal with AIS is the first deal for the group after more than two decades of operations.
Previously, products from all major operators were sold by Jay Mart group's channels, with 40% from AIS, 30% from True Move and 30% from Total Access Communication (DTAC).
Starting Monday, all products and services will be only from AIS, Mr Adisak said. AIS will soon create packages that suit the lifestyle of Singer customers.
Jay Mart manages its business through six subsidiaries. The major flagship mobile phone business unit operates under Jay Mart Mobile, which is 99% owned by Jay Mart.