Motorola and Advanced Info Service Launch WiMAX Trials in Thailand

30 April 2008

Motorola, Inc. is working with Advanced Info Service (AIS), the largest mobile operator in Thailand, to conduct trials of mobile WiMAX solutions. The trials will enable AIS to gain insight into the next generation personal wireless broadband services.

AIS started trials over Motorola’s WiMAX Access Point-400 (WAP-400) platform in Bangkok and Lamlukka in the first quarter of 2008. The operator is studying performance of real-life applications over the mobile WiMAX network, and customer usage models in metropolitan, suburban and rural areas.

“Instead of focusing only on technology features, we evaluate how customers apply applications over WiMAX network in real life. The results have been outstanding, and it gives us an insight into how we can offer new services through WiMAX,” said Mr.Vikrom Sriprataks, CEO of AIS. “Given the potential for WiMAX to become a widely accepted technology, we are delighted to work with a leading supplier such as Motorola to evaluate the capabilities and applications of the technology in Thailand.”

“For markets like Thailand that have a high demand for broadband connectivity, Motorola’s wi4 WiMAX solutions enable operators to provide broadband services in a cost-efficient and timely manner,” said Eric Starnes, vice president, Sales and Services of Asia, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. ”The successful trials with AIS demonstrate that our flexible solutions allow operators to expand service offerings and provide the next generation of personal wireless experience to their customers.”

A leading provider of integrated fixed and mobile communication solutions, AIS sees WiMAX as complementary to its existing fixed line and wireless offerings. During the trials, WiMAX technology was tested with various applications such as substitution of phone line, content delivery platform and high-speed Internet connection. AIS considers WiMAX an effective replacement for ADSL in providing broadband and various telecom services in cities and suburban areas.