Advanced Info Service (AIS), the mobile market leader, says it has expanded 5G coverage over 25 square kilometres in Bangkok and expects ultra-fast internet speeds to be adopted by various industrial sectors soon.
Yesterday the company presented special privileges for customers who have 5G-enabled mobile phones to access 5G service without an extra service charge, regardless of whether they bought the handsets from AIS.
AIS received a 2600-megahartz spectrum licence on Feb 21, five days after the 5G licence auction. The provider vowed to expand the 5G network as quickly as possible.
AIS chief consumer business officer Pratthana Leelapanang said 25 sq km in Bangkok are covered by its 5G technology on the 2600MHz spectrum.
The areas cover downtown Bangkok, including Chatuchak, Ari, Victory Monument, Phaya Thai, Siam, Sam Yan, Silom, Sathon, Chidlom, Nana, Asok and Sukhumvit.
Leading shopping centres, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, CentralWorld and several AIS shops are also covered.
Outside the capital, the 2600MHz network covers Thapae Gate in Chiang Mai, the Monument of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon in Phuket, Lan Yamo in Nakhon Ratchasima, Bali Hai Peninsula in Chon Buri's Pattaya as well as Phra Pathommachedi in Nakhon Pathom.
AIS plans to expand its 5G network in central Bangkok and to malls in five major cities in provincial areas, said Mr Pratthana.
"We will launch new apps for 5G adoption soon, including those with augmented reality and virtual reality, the interactive cloud as well as gaming and innovative routers for AIS Fibre," he said.
AIS rolls out fastest 5G mobile commercial service to enhance Thailand's potential to be comparable to international standards in Southeast Asia. (No photo credit)
AIS has been cooperating with top smartphone manufacturers to supply 5G-enabled handsets for Thai customers.
To use 5G service, customers need to make sure their handsets are compatible with 5G service on the 2600MHz range, said Mr Pratthana, adding their phones must have updated software.
Their SIM cards and usage packages must be supported by their operators for 5G service and users must be located in areas covered by the 5G network, he said.
For those who have 5G mobile phones, service started yesterday.
As for segments who buy 5G-enabled mobile phones from AIS, they will be able to use AIS 5G from Thursday.
Mr Pratthana acknowledged 5G mobile service has yet to reach mass usage globally.