Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country's mobile industry market leader in terms of subscriber base, is providing 26-gigahertz and 2600-megahertz spectrum ranges for a 5G R&D centre at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering to support research into 5G tech development.
The centre, called AIS Playground & AIS 5G Garage, is expected to serve as the country's first sandbox to support the trial of 5G technology capitalising on both frequencies.
AIS has partnered with the faculty for 5G tech trials since 2018.
Students and developers are allowed to join the sandbox scheme where they can create 5G use cases as part of the digital economy development, said Wasit Wattanasap, head of nationwide operations and support department at AIS.
"The development is to support education, provide spaces as well as develop readiness for students, developers and everybody involved in Thailand's digital tech industries to have the chance for hands-on experimentation with new technologies such as artificial intelligence [AI], machine learning, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, the Internet of Things, the metaverse and robotics," said Mr Wasit.
Although Thailand has seen commercial 5G service since 2020, there is a need to capitalise more on 5G to pursue further development, he said.
The aim is to make AIS Playground & AIS 5G Garage a space for experiments and trials of 5G tech, said Mr Wasit.
He said 5G base stations on both 2600MHz and 26GHz spectrum ranges have been installed to support a diversity of use cases.
The 26GHz range offers a vast amount of bandwidth with low latency.
Seminars and workshops will also be held at the site to support the sharing of technical skills in the field, Mr Wasit said, adding interested parties are invited to co-develop prototypes of technology capitalising on the 5G network.
Faculty dean Supot Teachavorasinskun said his faculty is working with all parties to support the trial of use cases that can benefit core sectors of the economy.
AIS Playground & AIS 5G Garage supports an environment where students and others can exchange ideas and create innovation.
"It is a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge gained from real-use experience from AIS, which will enhance skills for students and faculty in developing innovations for Thailand through 5G in the most appropriate manner," said Mr Supot.
Some use cases at the site include Walkie, a domestic service robot that can do household chores; Khai Muk, a home healthcare robot that can support telehealth; Rehab, a mechanical arm assisting stroke patients with muscular problems; and Autonomous Shuttle Bus, which can support transport powered by a 5G driverless system.