Ericsson pushing Thailand towards 5G technology - Bangkok Post

Ericsson Thailand, the local operating unit of the Swedish communications firm, is pushing Thailand towards the fifth-generation (5G) of wireless technology readiness by 2020 to reinforce the country's status as a digital nation.

Allen: Research finds Thailand digital-ready

A survey conducted by Ericsson ConsumerLab in 2015, polling 45,000 respondents aged 15-69 in 24 countries including 1,500 in Thailand, suggests that Thailand is ready to become a digital economy.

Ericsson will seek discussions with the telecom regulator over the next few months on roadmaps for 5G development, said Nadine Allen, the newly appointed president of Ericsson Thailand.

The company plans to talk with local mobile operators to prepare for network upgrade options, or 5G Plug-Ins, to pave the way for 5G wireless broadband service in 2020, she said yesterday at the celebrations of the 110th anniversary of Ericsson in Thailand.

There is currently no global standard for 5G deployment. But the 3.4-3.6 gigahertz, 4.4-4.9GHz, 20GHz and 39GHz bands have been suggested for the 5G spectrum.

Mrs Allen said the survey found that Thailand is among the leading countries in Asean in adopting information and communication technology (ICT).

Thailand is Asean's second-largest mobile broadband subscriber base after Singapore, with 120% as of December 2015.

"The figure is expected to reach 160% by 2021," Mrs Allen said.

The country is Asean's third-largest fixed broadband subscriber base, after Singapore and Malaysia.

Mrs Allen said the survey also found that Thais want to adopt ICT ahead of the global average, as 59% of Thai respondents said they massively increased the use of technologies in the past five years, compared with 53% globally.

Half of Thai respondents say ICT makes their lives better and more efficient, compared with 45% globally.

In addition, she said the study found that 24% of Thai respondents were early adopters, with female users making up half the group.

The study showed that the smartphone penetration in Thailand increased rapidly from 40% in 2015 to 50% in 2016, and is expected to reach 100% by 2021.

Line, YouTube and Facebook are top three apps used locally.

Mrs Allen added the advent of 5G will enable more innovation, greater business opportunities and generate more revenue to the telecom industry.

The technology will also improve people's lives and stimulate economic growth.

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