Nokia and Thai mobile operator Total Access Communications PLC (DTAC), co-owned by Telenor of Norway, have extended their frame agreement to expand DTAC’s GSM/GPRS/EDGE network in Thailand.
For an approximate value of USD 212 million Nokia delivers a significant number of its EDGE-enabled UltraSite base stations as well as the Nokia NetAct (TM) network and services management system.
The expansion will enable DTAC to increase its network coverage and capacity nationwide into rural and upcountry areas and to increase and expand its EDGE coverage in major cities. Deliveries are ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2005.
“We strongly believe there are four to five million new subscribers in 2005 who want to enhance their lives through both basic and innovative mobile services. With industry-leading radio solutions and technologies supplied by Nokia, DTAC will be able to enhance our coverage further and provide our best network quality and latest applications and services to our subscribers,” says Vichai Bencharongkul, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Total Access Communication PLC.
“DTAC is shifting in high gear to employ the latest technology to extend our nationwide network capacity and quality. We will expand EDGE Service coverage in Bangkok and its vicinity as well as other big cities nationwide. Our subscribers will enjoy quality, crisp, clear voice service and high-speed data transmission.” adds Sigve Brekke, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Total Access Communication PLC.
“Our cooperation with Nokia in network expansion will bring great benefits to all DTAC subscribers. We believe this will further strengthen DTAC’s status as the leading network operator in Thailand while growing the number of subscribers in the country.”
The Nokia UltraSite base station provides DTAC the ability to enhance its coverage and offer EDGE services to subscribers and thus fulfil the increasing needs of both current and new subscribers. Furthermore, the Nokia UltraSite base station is upgradable to future 3G services,” said Suwit Pruckwattananon, Account Director for DTAC, Networks, Nokia Thailand.
Nokia has been in collaboration with DTAC since the early 1990s and has been its sole network supplier since October 2003.
