Ericsson has successfully completed a large scale project bringing network coverage to cell phone users in Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The project gives passengers the possibility to use six different mobile network technologies, including WCDMA, and GSM, inside the new airport.
Ericsson was awarded the contract for the project by the country’s top five mobile operators — Advanced Info Service (AIS), DTAC, True Move, Hutchison CAT Wireless and Thai Mobile.
As the prime integrator, Ericsson was commissioned to provide a comprehensive range of services, including program management, network design, installation, integration and testing for the combined wireless application solutions that will serve the five operators’ customers.
Wichian Mektrakarn, Executive Vice President for Operations at AIS, says: “By cooperating with Ericsson in developing the GSM mobile network at Suvarnabhumi Airport, AIS believes that our customers, tourists and visitors will benefit from a premium quality network that provides high quality services for both voice and data communications.”
Milestone for Ericsson Thailand
Hans O. Karlsson, Country Manager of Ericsson Thailand, says that this contract further strengthens Ericsson’s position in Thailand.
“This is indeed a significant milestone for Ericsson Thailand and we are honoured to have the trust of the country’s five largest mobile operators to develop and implement the best-in-class in-building communication solutions,” he says, adding that Ericsson’s global experience and strengths had been key in ensuring the success of the project, backed by a strong local presence and expertise.
Under the project, around 1,200 antennas were installed to cover the whole area of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, including 563,000 square metres of public area and car park space.
Scheduled to open late this year, the airport is expected to serve up to 45 million passengers each year and this number may double to 120 million when the airport’s second phase is completed.