AIS ready to expand into fixed-line services
Bangkok Post (10 October 2007)
Advanced Info Service (AIS) is spearheading an effort to expand into fixed-based wireless broadband services (WiMax) in 2008 as part of its strategy to become a total telecom service provider. The country's largest mobile-phone operator is on the verge of overhauling its distribution channels to expand its reach in provincial and rural markets. It is also revamping its outlets to cater for new applications from the third-generation mobile services expected to arrive next year. ''We are now ready to move ahead on our fixed-mobile convergence business after facing hardship in the past two years,'' said president Wichian Mektrakarn said yesterday.
''Our corporate situation had already passed its floor. Our image is now a politics-free company,'' he said yesterday at ceremonies on the 17th anniversary of the company founded by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, Mr Wichian admitted that AIS was still likely to miss its profit target this year for the second year, due largely to the cellular price war in the second quarter and higher operating costs. The company's revenue target would be maintained.
AIS now has 23 million subscribers. It projects revenue of 90 billion baht this year. Chief executive Vikrom Sriprataks said the new WiMax service, to be operated by subsidiary Super Broadband Network Co, would enable AIS to expand into wireless broadband including high-speed internet, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and IP television. He said the company would rent a fibre-optic network from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to provide the wireless broadband services, which are expected to be commercially viable next year. It plans to hire a media firms to provide content and applications for the WiMax-based services. Superbroadband Network holds a fixed-wireless network licence from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). It is also required to apply for a frequency licence from the NTC to provide WiMax services. AIS will propose the new investment plan at the company's shareholders' meeting for approval next week.Mr Vikrom said Superbroadband Network would focus on the wholesale market while Advanced Datanetwork Communications Co, the IPTV arm of AIS, would focus on the retail segment,. AIS recently restructured its business functions by separating into three divisions: fixed-line under Advanced Datanetwork Communications and Superbroadband Network; mobile phone and 3G services under AIS and AWN; and solutions under AIN Globalcom and M-Pay Co. Shares of AIS (ADVANC) closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 98 baht, up 2.50, in trade worth 429.7 million baht.
Bangkok Post (10 October 2007)
Advanced Info Service (AIS) is spearheading an effort to expand into fixed-based wireless broadband services (WiMax) in 2008 as part of its strategy to become a total telecom service provider. The country's largest mobile-phone operator is on the verge of overhauling its distribution channels to expand its reach in provincial and rural markets. It is also revamping its outlets to cater for new applications from the third-generation mobile services expected to arrive next year. ''We are now ready to move ahead on our fixed-mobile convergence business after facing hardship in the past two years,'' said president Wichian Mektrakarn said yesterday.
''Our corporate situation had already passed its floor. Our image is now a politics-free company,'' he said yesterday at ceremonies on the 17th anniversary of the company founded by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, Mr Wichian admitted that AIS was still likely to miss its profit target this year for the second year, due largely to the cellular price war in the second quarter and higher operating costs. The company's revenue target would be maintained.
AIS now has 23 million subscribers. It projects revenue of 90 billion baht this year. Chief executive Vikrom Sriprataks said the new WiMax service, to be operated by subsidiary Super Broadband Network Co, would enable AIS to expand into wireless broadband including high-speed internet, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and IP television. He said the company would rent a fibre-optic network from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to provide the wireless broadband services, which are expected to be commercially viable next year. It plans to hire a media firms to provide content and applications for the WiMax-based services. Superbroadband Network holds a fixed-wireless network licence from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). It is also required to apply for a frequency licence from the NTC to provide WiMax services. AIS will propose the new investment plan at the company's shareholders' meeting for approval next week.Mr Vikrom said Superbroadband Network would focus on the wholesale market while Advanced Datanetwork Communications Co, the IPTV arm of AIS, would focus on the retail segment,. AIS recently restructured its business functions by separating into three divisions: fixed-line under Advanced Datanetwork Communications and Superbroadband Network; mobile phone and 3G services under AIS and AWN; and solutions under AIN Globalcom and M-Pay Co. Shares of AIS (ADVANC) closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 98 baht, up 2.50, in trade worth 429.7 million baht.
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