Bangkok--6 May--AIS AIS and GSM advance introduce Thailand’s first 3GSM advance service: the Hi-speed mobile phone Internet and video call with HSPA technology in Chiangmai, believed to turn the revolution of Thai communication from now on. Mr. Wichian Mektrakarn, President of Advanced Info Service Plc. or AIS, disclosed “Following the announcement made on April 2008 by AIS to launch Thailand’s first Hi-speed mobile phone Internet and video call with HSPA technology on 900 MHz frequency under the name 3GSM advance, on May 6 we distribute the applicable handsets together with service rollout for customers in Chiangmai. The activities to create service recognition and distribute the handsets supporting HSPA have been organized throughout the city of Chiangmai.” “The 3GSM advance service results from the application of HSPA technology — High Speed Packet Access — to leverage on existing frequency in developing a variety of services facilitating the use of High-speed Internet on mobile phone. The service has been developed under the right pertaining to the Cooperation Agreement between TOT and AIS as stipulated in the MOU to co-develop the telecommunications of Thailand. AIS was granted the privilege by TOT to improve existing service networks in order to optimize new technology on existing frequency. Moreover, TOT has been permitted by the National Telecoms Commission to improve network by utilizing HSPA technology on 900 MHz frequency.” Wichian added. Mr. Sanchai Tiewprasertkul, Chief Marketing Officer of AIS, unveiled “The 3GSM advance emerges as the 3rd Generation service of WCDMA standard (Wide Band CDMA) on 900 MHz frequency, widely known as 3G which supports high-speed data transmission (HSPA) at 7,200 kbps, compared with GPRS or EDGE transmitting at 160 kbps, or a 45 times speed. The consequence is the more superior service such as the High-speed Internet, Video Call and sizable data download featuring Video Clip, Video Streaming, Full Song and Music Video. The 3GSM advance customers can use the service with their existing numbers on GSM advance network.” “The reason to select Chiangmai as the initial area of service startup is because Chiangmai is the major province second to Bangkok with Hi-speed Internet demand and similar lifestyle. In the meantime, the launch in upcountry proves the potentials of AIS in providing service in other provinces than Bangkok. In the future, service features will serve the needs of customers in Bangkok and upcountry with common standard. Existing customers of GSM advance may switch to 3GSM advance service with the old registered number. Only purchase the handset which supports service and replace with the 3GSM advance SIM. The Voice Call promotion is still effective and data promotion is based on actual usage volume.” “We have allocated 600 million Baht budget from the 16,000 million Baht network development budget approved for 2008 in the launch of 3GSM advance service incorporating 25 Base Stations in coverage of the entire city of Chiangmai. The service will be launched in Bangkok and other areas in order of local demands. We are convinced that approximate 70,000-80,000 interested customers will register to the service within 2008.” Sanchai added. Leading the press to witness the launch of 3GSM advance in Chiangmai, AIS underscored the leadership of Total Telecom Providers by demonstrating the convergence of HSPA technology with WiMAX technology from Chiangrai (AIS was permitted to test WiMAX in Mae Fah Luang University) through various services including Video Conference, SMS and Voice Call. Wichian concluded “The demo of technological convergence supporting Hi-speed service reiterates the reinforcement of HSPA and WiMAX creating benefits from Mobile and Fix Wireless functions and accommodating lifestyle of today’s people. After the Government officially grants the license to service, AIS will be ready to create services from such technology convergence in order to deliver accurate choice to customers.” For more information, contact AIS Call Center 1175 or visit www.gsmadvance.ais.co.th3GSM advance Service TariffNormal Call GSM advance customers may continue current promotion or switch to other promotionsVideo Call 3 Baht / MinuteInternet data transmission rate starts at 100 BahtTariff Free EDGE/GPRS HSPA100 Baht 20 Hours200 Baht 50 Hours350 Baht 100 Hours 1 Baht / 5 MB500 Baht 250 Hours999 Baht UnlimitedValid until December 31, 2008Exclusively: Free 3GSM advance SIM card, Free 500 MB HSPA data transmission per billingperiod for 6 billing periods from today to June 30, 2008 when purchasing a handsetor HSPA USB Modem (Nokia 6121, PhoneOne 3GM602 and PhoneOne 3GE500)