China-based Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology infrastructure provider, sees Thailand as its main market in Southeast Asia to develop a 5G ecosystem.
According to local media reports, Huawei is collaborating with the Thai government, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), major universities in the country and also the media to develop a 5G ecosystem in Thailand.
By collaborating with the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, Huawei has also set up the regions’ first 5G testbed in the province of Chon Buri, Thailand.
The 5G testbed, which is located at Kasetsart University’s Sri Racha campus, has attracted global telecom giants such as Nokia and Ericsson and also many Thai telecom operators. The site also serves as a research and development centre for new technologies.
Reportedly, the NBTC in Thailand is working closely with mobile operators and internet service providers in the country with an aim to provide spectrum ranges for 5G trials.
Earlier it announced that Thailand may soon become the first country in ASEAN by collaborating with private companies such as Huawei to develop 5G infrastructure in the country.
Last month, Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand-based mobile service operator Advanced Info Service (AIS) to mobilise 5G technology and services.
AIS chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong told the media, “I believe that 5G is a significant opportunity to transform the next step of the country. The technology is an essential tool for sustainable and robust growth. The test results are beneficial for preparing for the development of the country’s network to support the future.”
Earlier this year, Huawei revealed that its share in Thailand’s smartphone market increased in the first five months of 2019 to 20 percent from 15 percent in 2018.