Exceptional market growth drives Thailand AIS GSM USD 15.5 million network expansion with Nokia
Thailand's leading mobile operator, AIS and Nokia have signed an additional USD15.5 million agreement for continued GSM network expansion in the Northern, Western and Southern regions of Thailand. The expansion follows an earlier deal in 2004 where AIS awarded Nokia a GSM expansion contract worth USD 22.0 million. Expansion brings total of AIS deals with Nokia to USD 37.5 million in 2004
Deliveries have already begun and the expansion is expected to be complete by the end of 2004.
"This expansion follows better than forecasted growth to 16 million subscribers by year's end. Our new subscriber forecast is revised up by almost 35% from the beginning of year forecast, largely thanks to the success of AIS new prepaid package ' Sawasdee'. AIS is now in a strong position to support the projected subscriber growth and expected increase in uptake of new mobile data services," says Ms.Yingluck Shinawatra, President, AIS.
"We have strong confidence in Nokia's experience to furnish us with superior network service quality both in terms of equipment and expert services and consultancy, providing an enhanced mobile experience for our subscribers," adds Ms Shinawatra.
"Nokia is happy to continue working very closely with AIS to drive the growth in both the basic voice market and advanced mobile data applications in Thailand. AIS chose to implement new Nokia network equipment based on technology which reflects the strong growth in the mobile data traffic and AIS' confidence in Nokia's leading GSM solutions," says Somchai Thamsirisup, Account Director, AIS, Nokia.
Nokia has been working with AIS since the early 1990s, providing comprehensive services for the operator's GSM and EDGE infrastructure. In addition to network infrastructure Nokia will provide the Nokia NetAct™ network and service management system, network planning, installation, and project management for efficient network ramp-up, as well as radio network optimization services for enhancing network quality. A wide range of care services, including software maintenance, will help maintain the competitiveness of the network.
Source: press release
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