There are three main mobile operators in Thailand: Dtac, AIS, ແລະ True. Almost two months after Dtac came out with its TriNet phones, partnering with Huawei, AIS is now launching its own 3G phones.
Currently, AIS offers 3G services on the 2.1 GHz spectrum for over 56 provinces. The company promises that it will cover 77 provinces by the end of this August. To make sure that its customers have the phones that are compatible with 3G network, AIS has partnered with three mobile phone manufacturers – ZTE (F286), Acer (Liquid Z3) ແລະ i-mobile (i-STYLE 7.3A) – to offer 3G mobile phones to its customers. The phone prices range from 1,290 Baht ($40) – 3,990 Baht ($130), which is considered moderately in the lower to mid-range price for Thais, especially when comparing to Samsung or Apple smartphones.
AIS expects at least 10,000 units to be sold per month. In addition, it claims that, in the future, the company will also come out with more phone choices. It could work with the same or new partners, depending on the market trends.
Thailand’s mobile penetration rate is at 131.84 ສ່ວນຮ້ອຍ (The average Thai has more than one phone). In addition, AIS is still the market leader with 42.72 ສ່ວນຮ້ອຍ market share. ດັ່ງນັ້ນ, I think AIS has a pretty good shot at dominating the mobile sale market also.
Now, we just have to wait and see if, or better yet; when True will join the self-branded-mobile-phone bandwagon or not.
In addition to competing to have the best coverage in the country and now having mobile phones for sale, these three telecommunication companies also have something else in common – they all are financing hackathons and incubators.
I believe with the 3G licenses granted and many projects planned, we’re about to witness a new era of a mobile service rich landscape for Thailand.
(Photo by: Manager.co.th, Graph and table by: NBTC)
(Editing by Anh-Minh Do and Steven Millward)