Bangkok--10 Apr--AIS
AIS invites first group of customers to use AIS 3G service on 2.1 GHz frequency following 4 months in network installation now ready for service in main cities of 18 provinces and inner Bangkok, cooperating with BTS offering the innovation NFC first time in Thailand with the service AIS mPAY Rabbit, attaching Rabbit card to AIS 3G 2.1 GHz SIM card.
Mr. Wichian Mektrakarn, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Info Service (Public) Company Limited or AIS, disclosed “3G is telecommunication infrastructure that upgrades and reinforces Thailand as we are aware and have waited for long time. As one of the Operators awarded 3G on 2.1 GHz license, AIS has been dedicated and put effort after the license was awarded by Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission or NBTC lately last year. We appropriate 70 billion Baht budget in 3 years to ensure that services will be delivered to customers at soonest with quality in all aspects. We spend only 4 months to make network up and running for main cities of 18 provinces and inner Bangkok. As a result, by Electronics Random, today we invite first group of customers in the service areas who have mobile phones with SIM card that supports 3G 2.1 GHz to start using service before official launch in May.”
“However, 3G from AIS perspective has to create value added, provide benefits, improve life quality and enhance capabilities for Thai people. Following our approach in cooperation with business partners who are leader in each industry, today we are extremely proud to receive honor from Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited and Bangkok Smartcard System Company Limited, the electronic money system developer “Rabbit,” to become our partners. Therefore, Rabbit technology will not be limited to card format with which we are familiar but will be valid in SIM Card on new AIS 3G. This is the first time in Asia Pacific for this innovation to be materialized. This is first and only service that will definitely accommodate life of city people.”
Mr. Surapong Laoha-Unya, Director&Chief Operating Officer of Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited, unveiled “We recognize the importance of today’s technology. Most people are using Smartphone. Numberless of applications have been developed to make life easier. Therefore we have co-developed payment project through NFC technology. You can use your mobile phones that support this technology on the new AIS 3G to pay tolls for BTS and other mass transportation system as well as purchasing goods from participating stores. Besides our customers can refill card, check card balance and view transactions at all time. This cooperation helps lift life quality of city people.”
The service AIS mPAY Rabbit will be available for interested customers before official launch in Quarter 3 of this year.
With regard to the AIS 3G operation plan, after inviting some customers in 18 provinces and inner Bangkok to use service, we are preparing for official launch in the beginning of May for 20 provinces and will roll out all main cities in 77 provinces by the end of 2013. Today customers can dial *988*ID Number# and call out for free to register and calibrate before access to AIS 3G when service will expand to your area.
“The soft launch of service for some customers reflects our dedication, intention and commitment to leveraging on the 2.1 GHz frequency, nation’s asset, from concession, to create core benefits for country as soon as possible in order to upgrade communication quality for Thai people in conformity to objective of Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission or NBTC. The cooperation with partner BTS affirms concretely that 3G 2.1 GHz, the standard frequency, can truly level up and enhance life quality.” Wichian conclude.