Don’t Phone Anyone In The Subway – Yet Awhile

[george]

Don’t phone anyone in the subway – yet awhile

BANGKOK: -- Customers of Advanced Info Service (AIS) may initially not be able to use their mobile phones on subway platforms following AIS’ refusal to lease a communications link with True Corp Plc.

AIS executive vice president Wichian Mektrakarn said AIS would not lease True’s fibre-optic network, which covers 18 subway stations, due to concerns over quality standards.

He added that leasing the link from True was expected to be costlier than allowing AIS to install its own network and would prompt AIS to charge more to its subscribers who used their phones in the subway.

True and subway-operator Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL) created a 40:60 joint venture to install the fibre-optics link to provide cellular service in platform sections, to be leased by cell-phone operators.

BMCL’s subsidiary Radianz installed a communications link in the tunnel section, also to be leased by cell-phone operators.

The metropolitan fixed-line carrier has not yet announced the network’s leasing rate.

Wichian said AIS wanted to install its own link at platforms to ensure service quality and lease with Radianz in order to provide complete service in tunnel sections.

An executive source at AIS said attempts to install an AIS network at platform sites had been blocked by an unnamed party.

But he said senior executives of BMCL had approved an AIS network installation plan.

One telecom industrialist said AIS’ delay in building up a platform network meant its customers would be unable to use their phones there when the subway started operation next month.

“Even if AIS starts its network build-up today, it won’t finish before the subway starts operation. Thus its customers will be affected,” the industrialist said.

AIS currently has 14 million customers.

Cell-phone operator TA Orange will lease True’s platform fibre-optics network. True is TA Orange’s parent firm.

A source close to AIS said the company is mulling over joining with rival Total Access Communication (DTAC) to install a platform fibre-optics link.

DTAC has yet to decide if it will lease True’s network. DTAC has more than 7 million users.

--The Nation 2004-06-21

[bangsaen bob]

It's good to know there is somewhere to go where the bloody think won't ring.

[simon43]

AIS would not lease True’s fibre-optic network, which covers 18 subway stations, due to concerns over quality standards

What a complete load of <deleted>!! Concerns over quality?? Since when did a brand new fibre-optic network give cause for quality concerns?? I'm amazed that anyone believes this drivel...

[Kan Win]

It's good to know there is somewhere to go where the bloody think won't ring.

LOL

Good idea.

Maybe “down under” so to speak, one Kan wing the wong number because, it will not wok there anyway.

Edited June 21, 2004 by Kan Win

[Up2U]

But I was under the impression that both AIS and True were ShinCorp connected.

[Hit]

But I was under the impression that both AIS and True were ShinCorp connected.

Theyre two different companies. True owns the Orange mobile phone company in addition to a few million landlines in Bangkok (those starting with 6,7,8 or 9).

ShinCorp owns only AIS in the telecommunications sector.

[Crushdepth]

OMG! Imagine the *horror* of not being able to use your mobile for 15 minutes while you are underground ! Of not having to listen to half a dozen excruciating musical ring tones ! This is against the Geneva Convention for sure. I hope proper medical care will be available for those who cannot cope

[udon]

I have 2 dprompt mobiles.

I'll call myself (from the underground)and report back on Thursday.

Hold yer breath! lol

[eric1000]

my cellphone works ok at low level on station platforms , but not in tunnels , tried it tonite ,,

[exp9696]

For me no problem, I d'ont use a mobile phone

If my MIL is sick ,they cand send a fax or a mail

That's FREEDOM