AIS ANNOUNCES 2010 VISION ON TELECOMS INDUSTRY INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT “ECOSYSTEM,”

AIS ANNOUNCES 2010 VISION ON TELECOMS INDUSTRY INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT “ECOSYSTEM,” COOPERATION, DEPENDENCE AND GROWTH TOGETHER FOR HIGHEST BENEFIT OF THAI PEOPLE


AIS announces 2010 Vision on Telecoms Industry, introducing the concept Ecosystem - the ecosystem of communication world gearing towards synergy, dependence and growth together, delivering highest benefits to every group of Thai consumers, riding the trend of communication technology convergence featuring “Total Communication.”

The management team of Advanced Info Service (Public) Co., Ltd., led by Mr. Somprasong Boonyachai, Vice Chairman Of The Board Mr. Wichian Mektrakarn, CEO and Mr. Somchai Lertsuttiwong, EVP Marketing, co-host the public conference on the overall picture of telecoms industry and AIS direction emphasizing orchestrated cooperation with alliance just like the ecosystem.

In 2009, the telecom usage of Thai people recorded a significant growth, particularly in mobile Internet, wireless Internet and Broadband Internet, reflecting consumer behavior obviously switching to convergence service. They use mobile phone to call, connect Internet, watch TV, download music, upload photos or videos to Social Network and Chat through BlackBerry. This formulates a “Total Communication.” AIS has developed service in tandem with such behavior. Besides retaining No. 1 Mobile Operator, today AIS plays increasing roles as;

- Largest distribution channel of Digital Music with over 20 million downloads, 60% of which represent the download through Call Center.

- Largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) with over 6.5 million Mobile Phone Internet users

- Pioneer of Lifestyle for consumers in entering the experience of Mobile Email, Social Networking through Smart Phone such as BlackBerry occupying over 100,000 users.

- Market builder for Wireless Internet by launching AIS Aircard serving over 300,000 customers, or over 20% of Internet use in Thailand.

Mr. Somprasong unveiled “For the year 2010, demand and usage behavior will remain the same as in the past year. More concentration and enhancement will be placed in Mobile Internet, Broadband and download service via wireless network. To deliver services that completely meet demand, every part associated with telecommunication industry need to capitalize on its best resource to work in harmony and proceed together in the orchestrated uniform, depend on each other and promote Seamless Connection featuring Ecosystem – the Ecosystem of communication world in an effort to creating collaborative service providing optimal solution for consumers as well as contributing to the reinforcement of country’s telecoms industry.

With regard to the composition of Ecosystem, Mr. Wichian added “Initially, we look into 5 integral parts including Device, Customer Assistant, Content Partners, Solution Partners and Business Alliances from a broad spectrum of industry. The collaboration incorporated by the proposed concept is believed to liberate the frame of telecommunication services, give unexpected experience from best quality, enhance business management efficiency and render privileges upgrading living standard of consumers.”

“However, to ensure the unsurpassed services provided by strong commitment, network quality serves as the key and solid fundamentals. Over the past 20 years, AIS has ceaselessly developed its network recognized as “Most trusted network” as a result of service coverage coming with network quality as well as convergence of Wireless and Wired-line technology. Lately, AIS is considered the only Mobile Operator offering widest 3G service area following the cooperation with TOT (Public) Co., Ltd., the Concession Owner. AIS customers have options to access wireless Internet service via EDGE/GPRS network embracing nationwide coverage and 3G of 900 MHz and 2100 MHz frequency”

Mr. Somchai stressed the benefits of consumers “When the fundamentals are well prepared, the functionalities based on Ecosystem will continue productively, shape service formats and fuel the growth of telecommunications industry due to the harmonious and balanced living of all parties. For example, the marketing of communication device will include not only the sourcing of superb handsets for customers, but also the synergy between Service Providers tailoring service packages and customized contents as well as solutions that bring ultimately exclusive experiences. This exemplifies how the working concept is materialized.”

In the AIS Vision 2010, AIS introduces some services from the cooperation with Partners, such as;

1. Nokia N900, the latest Smart Phone from Nokia that allows AIS customers to gain great experience from Internet Application and bundling package

2. BlackBerry New Bold, the latest innovation from BlackBerry, available for reservation today

3. AIS 3G Aircard 7 Mbps, the fastest Wireless Broadband connection to the Internet

4. AIS App Store connecting AIS customers to the unlimited world of Contents coming with a broad array of Applications to choose from
5. MSN SIM, a direct connection to MSN from your handsets
6. Mobile Pay wave Actual creating Contactless Mobile Payment Service
7. Variety Superior Privilege from various exclusive for AIS customer only

“As the Total Telecoms Service Leader, we strongly believe in the power of all players related to this industry and will be ready to play an intermediary role in rendering best services from the collaboration under the concept Ecosystem to every group of consumers. Not only will this paradigm shift benefit people, but also propel sustainable growth of Thai telecommunications industry.”