• 700 MHz base stations already deployed in 75 provinces and 717 districts across Thailand
• Expanded 700 MHz 5G network in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Ubon Ratchathani
• Real SME users share #GoodForAll experiences

 

June 21, 2021 – dtac forges ahead in expanding its 700 MHz network across Thailand, providing high-speed internet to all. The year-end target for the 700 MHz network is to cover all 77 provinces and over 900 districts. Currently, 717 districts across Thailand are covered by dtac, ready to offer high-speed internet to everyone. The results can also be tracked by following the feedback from real small and medium enterprise (SME) users who are sharing their feedback with the hashtag #GoodForAll.

Connectivity is particularly critical to Thailand’s recovery and business operations. Therefore, dtac is focused on providing high-speed internet in all of Thailand, to offer greater digital access and contribute to a better quality of life. The GSMA reported that in 2019, the telecom and related industries globally contributed USD 4.1 trillion in economic value or 4.7 percent of GDP. It also forecasted that the contribution will rise to USD 5 trillion by 2024 or 4.9 percent of GDP globally as a result of high-speed internet adding value to the economies.

Mr. Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer, Total Access Communication PLC or dtac, said, “dtac is focused on empowering societies by connecting our customers to what matters most. dtac’s network expansion aims to improve the user experience and support digital transformation for the country. It is essential that internet access help build digital inclusion for all. Our 700 MHz population coverage will be approximately 93 percent by the end of this year, and will improve both outdoor and indoor coverage on 4G and 5G.”

The latest phase of 700 MHz 5G expansion covers Chonburi, Rayong, and Ubon Ratchathani. This is in addition to the existing 5G services in six key provinces: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Surat Thani. dtac will soon roll out 5G services to more provinces.

At present, there are 51 Android and iOS mobile devices from nine brands that support dtac’s 700 MHz 5G service and are available in Thailand. This number is expected to grow to 55 models within June.

#Goodforall digital inclusion

dtac’s #Goodforall campaign underscores that the 700 MHz network expansion will empower regular customers as well as small businesses and entrepreneurs. Digital inclusion requires both digital infrastructure and digital literacy. In addition to adding 50 base stations per day, dtac also runs the dtac Net for Living program to equip merchants, street stall owners, and small food producers with digital skills that will make them more resilient, empower their communities and grow new income streams.

By utilizing the internet and adapting to online retailing, entrepreneurs can increase their sales by up to 70%. Some of the dtac Net for Living success stories are Porn Jak Mae’s chewy baked organic banana, Sonthiwat Community Housewife Group’s spicy oyster chili paste, Mae Charoon’s crispy baked lotus seeds, Kru Kung’s coconut cream-infused salted eggs, and handmade tote bags from the Lahu Daeng ethnic community.

Mrs. Tevarak Chimthai or “Fongwin”, founder of the “Ban Nee Mee Rak Farm Suk Samran” Facebook page, is a farmer of Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province. Thewarak said, “Now that we have internet access, it has given us a chance to sell products we make but cannot retail locally. Internet access has opened up online retail channels, so we can now market our products right from our orchard. We take photographs and write captions on our fruits or shrimps, helping us to close sales with customers from all over Thailand. This also helps us to become prouder as farmers and help ensure our livelihood’s sustainability. dtac Net for Living had a team of coaches to train us on online marketing and retailing, helping farmers like us succeed for real in the online world.”