Thailand is set to experience a full pace of 3G network expansion, along with a few planned 4G pilot projects, in 2012, said the Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson to the Thai daily, Bangkok Post. The newspaper talked to head for communications Bunyati Kirdniyom, and Arun Bansal, Ericsson’s head responsible for Southeast Asia and Oceania, about the mobile future.
Bunyati Kirdniyom, head for communications and regulatory affairs of Ericsson Thailand, said major mobile operators were likely to focus on 3G infrastructure expansion next year to serve increasing demand for mobile internet, driven mainly by the proliferation of smartphones and tablets.
Thailand is likely to experience the initial long-term evolution (LTE) technology, known as 4G, next year, he said.
Mr Bunyati said Ericsson expects embedded mobile broadband (EMB) to become a common feature in notebooks in 2012 after the country adopts it as an optional feature for two years. EMB enables a device to make broadband connection without being limited to areas within ranges of wireless hot spots.
Arun Bansal, Ericsson’s head responsible for Southeast Asia and Oceania, said conventional business models relying on prices, speeds and sales volumes would become less effective.
“In 2012, mobile operators are expected to adopt an innovative business approach common in the financial and airline sectors. The strategies will involve loyalty, user preferences, service customisation and tailor-made applications for enterprise,” he said.
Mr Bansal also said operators are expected to provide greater cloud service varieties to differentiate themselves from rivals. Mobile payment via Near Field Communications technology would play a key role next year.
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