COMMUNICATIONS

Alcatel-Lucent pushes 3G and WiMax

SRISAMORN PHOOSUPHANUSORN

Alcatel-Lucent Thailand is moving aggressively to promote its wireless broadband and third-generation mobile-phone network products in an effort to build brand awareness and gain a strong foothold in an emerging market. The goal is to pave the way for the introduction of WiMax and 3G services in the Thai market when the National Telecommunications Commission issues licences to operators. The strategy was also the first business plan for the French-American telecom equipment firm formed from the merger of Alcatel and US-based Lucent late last year.

Alcatel completed its $11.6-billion acquisition of Lucent Technologies in November, while the local operating unit in Thailand finished its merger processes with Lucent in February.

Vincent Duda, the new managing director of Alcatel-Lucent Thailand, said the company was ramping up promotions of wireless high-speed broadband technology even though no licences for WiMax and 3G have yet been issued.

WiMax provides wireless broadband access to areas where landline technologies have trouble backhauling WiFi hotspots and cellular networks. It offers faster speeds, greater convenience and up to 30% lower costs compared to 3G.

But the constraint on WiMax is its limited mobility, unlike 3G, Mr Duda said.

''Our broadband will be tailored to a competitive market for affordable mass-market broadband services, particularly in upcountry provinces, with the aim of reducing the digital divide,'' he said.

He said that despite the slowing economy, Alcatel-Lucent Thailand expected 10% sales growth this year, about the same figure as last year, driven mainly by broadband.

''We are optimistic about the long-term prospects of Thailand's economic fundamentals and people,'' he said, adding that ''2007 would be considered as a 'transition year' for Thailand in areas of politics and telecommunications technology.''

He said competition in the local industry was tight, helping the country enjoy some of the lowest prices in the world.

Bangkok Post
Tuesday April 03, 2007