April 10, 2020 – The free 10GB internet data allowance launched today by dtac and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) was picked up by half a million people before noon. In response, dtac is boosting its network to keep customers connected with the deployment of 4G Massive MIMO at key locations nationwide. Month-on-month, data usage in March grew rapidly in Thailand, particularly in provinces where borders closed. With the launch of the 10 GB internet subsidy, growth is expected to accelerate further.

According to dtac’s internet usage report on February-March:

• More than 75% of Thai internet usage is spent on social media and streaming apps and grew by 9% and 6% respectively, compared to Feb.
• By category, delivery apps led the internet usage growth, followed by news, games, home décor and financial services respectively.
• Data usage of short video app TikTok grew by 600%
• Data usage of video conferencing app Zoom grew by 2100%

In greater Bangkok, data shows that Nonthaburi had the highest growth of data usage of 15%, followed by Samut Prakan of 13%, PathumThani increased 7% and Bangkok 4%.’

The report also found that there was a big jump in data usage in provincial areas, particularly those whose borders have closed. Narathiwat had the highest growth of 45%, followed by Bueng Kan 42%, Nan 36%, Trang 36%, and Pattani 35%.

Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer at Total Access Communication Plc or dtac, said: “During this unprecedented time, customers who must stay at home need mobile services more than ever to stay connected. We’re boosting up our network capacity at high-traffic areas all over Thailand through the deployment of 4G Massive MIMO, which brings about three-fold increase in spectrum efficiency. That makes me confident we can continue providing a smooth network experience as the 10GB offer kicks in.”

Moreover, customers can enjoy unlimited connectivity with the new Happy@Home offers with free data on productivity apps and additional perks such as discounts on the online shopping app Shopee and COVID-19 insurance. More details of these offers can be found here.

“Mobile communication plays a critical role in connecting our customers to life-saving information and minimizing the economic impact of working remotely. We need to keep up with the growth in traffic,” said Mr. Prathet.