Thailand's TOT Tests Multimedia Mobile Phone Service
Source URL: asia.dailynews.yahoo.com
BANGKOK, THAILAND, 1999 DEC 29 (NB) -- By Sirivish Toomgum, The Nation.
The Telephone Organisation of Thailand (TOT) launched a trial run of a wideband code division multiple access
(CDMA) service last week, as it prepares to introduce third generation mobile phones to the country.
Mobile phones fully equipped with multimedia functions including voice and picture transmission features, or third
generation mobile phones, are expected to be launched first in Japan in 2001 by NTT Mobile Communications Network.
Last March, the TOT signed a one-year agreement with Japanese companies NTT Mobile Communications Network and
NEC Corp. to develop third generation services in Thailand.
Under the deal, NEC supplies switching equipment to the state agency and NTT provides technical know-how.
Last week's trial run was conducted by the two companies. The test will help design a signal transmission method suitable
for Thailand and assess the TOT's potential in offering the service.
The TOT's Sukhumvit switchboard branch was the testing location. Skyscrapers surround the building, which makes it easy to detect problems
in transmitting signals.
The tests, which used the 2 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, was a crucial step in the TOT's future, said Dr Thongchai Yongchareon, the state
agency's president.
"Developing wideband CDMA is a strategic business direction for the TOT. We want to acquire know-how about the wireless technology to
help us select the right partner for the right investment," he said.
With market liberalization set for next year, the TOT is being careful to select the right partner for the intense competition expected.
During the test, there were some minor difficulties, but the TOT and the two Japanese companies took less time in correcting them than
expected, the agency said. The test will be repeated so that the agency can refine its capabilities, it added.
Kohei Satoh, executive director of NTT, said that NTT is also conducting similar experiments in China, Singapore and Malaysia.
"The outcome is satisfactory. While in Japan, NTT will begin wideband CDMA service in late 2001," he said.
When the testing is completed in six months, NEC and NTT will take back the 100 million baht (US$2.66 million) worth of equipment used,
but the knowledge gained from the process would be sufficient for the TOT to design its own wideband CDMA service, Thongchai said.
When the TOT launches its own wideband CDMA service it is not required to tie up with NEC and NTT, he said.
"It is not a binding agreement, thereby the TOT is free from any obligation in selecting partners," he explained.
The joint experiment benefits both the state agency and the two Japanese companies, Thongchai said.
"We obtain the technology from them, while they learn from us how to design applications that are attractive to Thai and Japanese consumers,"
he explained.
He said that the state agency would also send staff to Japan to learn more about wideband CDMA.
Whether the state agency will be able to launch wideband CDMA service or not depends on the new policy of the telecom regulatory body. The
policy is expected in October.
Exchange Rate: $1 = 37.50 baht
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