Bangkok--26 May--CAT Telecom
Expansion of 3G CDMA network will offer improved data performance and increase capacity for subscriber growth, fueled by mobile broadband partnerships with Acer and I-Mobile
CAT Telecom today announced plans to invest 1.4 billion Baht ($40 million USD) into its CDMA2000(R) 1X and 1xEV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) network over the next two years, improving the performance of its 3G CDMA mobile broadband services and increasing capacity to allow for rapid subscriber growth. The network enhancements are already in progress and reinforce CAT Telecom’s commitment to CDMA2000, the leading 3G wireless technology in the world.
“CDMA has already proven to be an exceptional 3G technology for CAT Telecom, providing superior voice quality as well as mobile broadband performance,” said Mr. Viroj Tocharoenvanith, Executive Vice President, Wireless Business Unit at CAT Telecom. “Expanding our EV-DO Rev. A network will bring mobile broadband to more areas of Thailand and increase our network capacity, enabling us to add half a million new users over the next two years and provide new ways for our customers to utilize the Internet.”
To help drive new mobile broadband subscriptions, CAT Telecom also announced a new marketing partnership designed to build awareness of the technology availability and make it more affordable and accessible. CAT Telecom has partnered with I-mobile, AEON and KTC to offer 10 months retail financing service at rates as low as 0% for the purchase of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A USB Modem. The offer also includes a free 3-month trial of unlimited usage on CAT Telecom’s mobile broadband network. The campaign runs from 1 June to 30 September 2009 and is available at all I-Mobile retail locations. CAT Telecom is also collaborating with Acer to offer a free CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A modem with the purchase of a new Acer netbook. The campaign is scheduled to be launched in Q3 2009.
“CAT Telecom’s commitment to CDMA2000 in Southeast Asia serves as an example to other operators in the region that EV-DO Rev. A is the best mobile broadband solution available in terms of performance, capacity and availability of devices,” said Tina Radford, director of Southeast Asia for the CDMA Development Group. “The expansion of CAT’s CDMA network coupled with its new partnerships for driving consumer awareness and adoption will ensure that as many people as possible in Thailand benefit from 3G connectivity.”
CDMA2000 is the most widely-deployed 3G technology, with 280 operators in 102 countries and territories serving more than 455 million subscribers. CDMA2000 has become the technology of choice for developed and emerging market operators, supported by more than 2,110 CDMA2000 devices from over 115 suppliers including more than 528 Rel. 0 and 118 Rev. A devices on 106 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rel. 0 and 62 Rev. A systems. EV-DO Rev. A offers mobile broadband connectivity with average user downlink data rates of 600-1400 kbps with bursts to 3.1 Mbps, and uplink data rates of 500-800 kbps with bursts up to 1.8 Mbps in a 1.25 MHz radio channel.
About CAT Telecom
CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (CAT) is a leading telecommunications provider in Thailand. CAT operates and delivers a wide range of service based on advanced technology and world-class network infrastructure to customers domestically, internationally and overseas. Its principal services include international telephone service, data communications service, internet services, E-Business services, and CDMA mobile phone services. With its CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A infrastructure, CAT is the only mobile operator currently offering 3G services in Thailand.
For further information, please contact
Wireless Business Development Department
T. 02-104-3364, 02-104-3817
F. 02-104-4722
www.catcdma.com