Thailand's bustling population of 67 million has reportedly reached a mobile penetration rate of more than 130 percent, according to recent government figures. In early 2013, Ericsson ConsumerLab studies have also shown that smartphone penetration in urban Thailand grew more than two-fold from 17 percent in 2012 to 36 percent in 2013.
To prepare for the growing number of smartphone users, Real Future, a subsidiary of True Corporation Plc under the True Mobile Group, has chosen Ericsson as a key supplier to expand its mobile broadband network in Thailand. This expansion will allow the True Mobile Group to offer their 21.5 million subscribers with improved mobile broadband experiences based on HSPA and LTE technologies.
As part of the expansion project, Ericsson will deploy the latest multi-standard radio base station RBS 6000 along with a range of services including project management, system integration, interoperability testing, network design and implementation, as well as competence development of personnel.
Vichaow Rakphongphairoj, managing director & chief operating officer of True Corporation Plc., says: "This agreement will further strengthen our 3G and 4G leadership in the country and create more exciting opportunities for businesses, as well as new services for subscribers. We expect that greater connectivity will foster further development of Thai society as a whole".
Arun Bansal, Ericsson Head of Region South East Asia & Oceania, says: "This is Ericsson's first project with True Mobile Group. We are pleased to be True's technology partner as they bring Real Future subscribers 3G and 4G connectivity. As a global HSPA and LTE leader, we are committed to work with True Mobile Group in meeting the growing demand for mobile broadband service in Thailand."