Bangkok--26 Mar--AIS AIS led press media to witness the demonstration of WiMAX in all using conditions and locations including urban, suburban and rural areas to clearly understand customers’ behaviors and requirements with the debut scheduled within 3 months once licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission. The AIS Management and SBN headed by Mr. Vikrom Sriprataks, CEO,Mr. Wichien Mektrakarn, President and Mr. Sanchai Thiewprasertkul, Chief Marketing Officer, held the press conference on comprehensive demonstrations of WiMAX technology. Khun Vikrom disclosed “Regarding the WiMAX demonstration, AIS did not focus on only technology but real applications in various environments in order to gain insight into demands and lifestyles of customers and eventually the conceptual framework to develop acute service features and packages right after the acquisition of official License. As a Total Telecom Provider, AIS adds WiMAX to the product line (Complimentary technology) in the Fix Wireless segment which will be employed by AIS in convergence with other services to create Solutions that fulfill requirements of AIS customers.” WiMAX, abbreviating from Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network technology (WMAN), a technology powering the Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) currently being tested by several Agencies while waiting for the commercialization approval from NTC. Khun Wichien elaborated on the WiMAX from the Mobile Operator’s perspective. “For Mobile Operators, WiMAX helps make a broad spectrum of value added services possible. WiMAX functions as a cellular network transmission system (backhaul), supports services in conjunction with 3G (using 3G during mobility), substitutes Fix line service, is used as platform in content delivery ideal for video contents and facilitates Broadband service in the areas inaccessible by fixed lines.” Khun Sanchai added “We did the experiment differently from other Operators performing only technology test. But we narrow down to real utilizations by real users in real locations and with real applications. Therefore we have an obvious view of service feature satisfaction. The experimental set consists of; 1. Experiment real application and consider limitations of WiMAX in real using environments separated by locations including city area (Silom), major towns, tourist town (Chonburi), suburban areas (Lamlukka, Rangsit Klong 4) and rural areas (Mae Fah Luang University) 2. Experiment real WiMAX uses including home phone substitution, Content Delivery Platform, Hi-speed Internet and corporate utilization such as Video Conference 3. Experiment on satisfactory comparison between WiMAX and ADSL “The experiments gave fair results because WiMAX utilities were obvious. As a consequence, AIS concludes that the commercialized WiMAX services which will be available in the future can efficiently replace ADSL with a variety of service features designed for specific uses at reasonable prices, tailored to co-function with many kinds of mobile phones and good for the use in suburban areas and upcountry. AIS shall provide the WiMAX in suburban areas as the strategic location within 3 months after the License to operate WiMAX service is awarded by NTC.” Khun Wikrom concluded. For more editorial information, please contact : Waralee Jirachaisri Tel. 02-299-5063, 081-811-2412, [email protected]