The largest mobile operator in Thailand, Advanced Info Service(AIS) said that 4G will not become mainstream in Thailand until 2017 due to limited availability of budget 4G smartphones and application software. The operator which has failed to win a license during the recent 4G 900MHz spectrum auction, added that it believes 3G wireless broadband service will go mainstream and will be the major battleground in the local mobile market next year.
“AIS would like to clarify the decision to stop bidding after the price reached near 76 billion Baht or over 470% of the starting bid price. From the company’s perspective, the price would not yield an accretive value to the company and the shareholders", said AIS in a statement.
Along with AIS, Dtac, its closest rival also failed to secure the 4G spectrum at the auction, whic saw Jasmine Mobile Broadband and True Move H Universal Communication of True Corp each taking the 900MHz license.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer, AIS
Our decision not to bid on the 900 MHz will give us financial strength with capacity for quality development with unlimited customer care such as investments in the 4G network, ongoing expansion of the 3G network, expansion of AIS Fibre..
