Ericsson urges boosting 5G SA coverage

Thailand needs to roll out more 5G standalone (SA) networks with a greater availability of mid-band frequencies and a lower spectrum licence fee in order to unlock economic opportunities and support critical communication during natural disasters, according to Ericsson.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology will let mobile operators manage networks autonomously and provide customers with new experiences.

The country is expected to have 75 million 5G subscriptions by 2030, up from 26 million at present, which represents 27% of all mobile subscriptions.

The adoption of 5G and AI are driving digital transformation in Thailand and helping the country achieve the Thailand 4.0 goal, said Anders Rian, head of Ericsson Thailand.

"5G is a critical component of national strategies, helping to achieve digital inclusion and create smart cities around Thailand," he added.

Thailand is the most advanced nation in Southeast Asia in terms of overall 5G penetration, with 5G networks covering 95% of the population.

However, the country still lags behind in terms of existing 5G SA network, with only 16% of the country’s total network, meaning it remains behind Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia in this regard.