Ericsson: First taste of 4G likely in 2012

Thailand is set to experience a full pace of 3G network expansion, along with a few planned 4G pilot projects, in 2012, says the Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson. Tablet-based enterprise mobility solutions and cloud-based services are likely to become new lucrative business models for mobile operators, giving them a new revenue stream in the mobile broadband era. Bunyati Kirdniyom, head for communications and regulatory affairs of Ericsson Thailand, said major mobile operators were likely to focus on 3G infrastructure expansion next year to serve increasing demand for mobile internet, driven mainly by the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. Thailand is likely to experience the initial long-term evolution (LTE) technology, known as 4G, next year, he said. Operators running on LTE networks could provide voice over LTE service for smartphone users, enabling high-quality IP-based voice services. Ericsson predicts that local mobile operators need to explore new business models to increase profitability. Mr Bunyati said Ericsson expects embedded mobile broadband (EMB) to become a common feature in notebooks in 2012 after the country adopts it as an optional feature for two years. EMB enables a device to make broadband connection without being limited to areas within ranges of wireless hot spots. Arun Bansal, Ericsson's head responsible for Southeast Asia and Oceania, said conventional business models relying on prices, speeds and sales volumes would become less effective. "In 2012, mobile operators are expected to adopt an innovative business approach common in the financial and airline sectors. The strategies will involve loyalty, user preferences, service customisation and tailor-made applications for enterprise," he said. Mr Bansal also said operators are expected to provide greater cloud service varieties to differentiate themselves from rivals. Mobile payment via Near Field Communications technology would play a key role next year. Collaboration between operators outside the telecom industry are likely to be seen in convergence services. On-demand and over-the-top TV solutions would continue growing.