Thailand has emerged as a trailblazer, paving the way for 5G innovation. Renowned as the world's premier 5G market, Thailand's commitment to propelling the latest mobile communication technologies forward is not merely a vision but a tangible reality.
Thailand has made significant progress in the development of 5G-Advanced technology, surpassing the expectations set by the 3rd Generation Partnership Projects (3GPP) Rel-18. While the freeze is expected in 2024, Thailand has already completed the majority of its 5G-Advanced technology verifications in 2023. This achievement is not just a technological feat; it is a significant stride forward in establishing a new digital infrastructure that will underpin Thailand's Industry 4.0 development.
Thailand's ICT Industry Leadership
The fervor with which Thailand has embraced 5G-Advanced technology is a testament to its dedication to spearheading the global ICT industry. Thailand's pivotal role in fostering mobile communication technology's evolution is evident in its strategic approach to testing and implementing the latest advancements. The completion of the majority of the 5G-Advanced technology verifications in 2023 has positioned Thailand at the forefront of the 5G revolution, promising a transformative impact on the nation's technological landscape.
Pioneering Achievements in 5G-Advanced Technologies
In the realm of 5G-Advanced technologies, Thailand has not only embraced but excelled in various key aspects. According to official releases from major operators like AIS and True, Thailand has successfully tested Carrier Aggregation (CA) between frequencies of 2600MHz and 26GHz on a real network, achieving an impressive 10.38 Gbps. In December 2022, for instance, a successful demonstration of the capabilities of the 26 GHz frequency band (or mmWave wave technology) was conducted. The collaboration involved True 5G and partners in Southeast Asia and Australia.
The demonstration utilized transmitters and a receiver device with a chipset. They were able to achieve long-distance transmission of mmWave signals on the actual network, enabling data to be transmitted at Gigabit speeds up to 11.1 km. This achievement is significant as it is the first successful demonstration of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. It will contribute to the expansion of high-speed internet access in remote areas and reduce the reliance on wired connections.
On the other hand, the demonstration showcased the capabilities of short latency, RedCap, and Autonomous Driving Network functionalities concerning 5G-Advanced key technologies.
Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit at AIS, stated that their goal is to become an intelligent telecommunications technology organization by creating an Autonomous Network. This network will be highly intelligent, will be able to adapt in real-time and will be able to provide personalized services to customers. AIS is working with engineers and IT personnel and is collaborating with partners to develop new technologies and enhance their network's capabilities.
Moreover, Thailand has successfully commercialized essential network capabilities, including 5G Standalone (SA), network slicing, FR2+FR1 3CC aggregation, and SEPP-based international roaming.
These commercial implementations mark a significant leap in Thailand's technological capabilities, setting the stage for a more connected and efficient digital ecosystem.
Shaping the Future
The deployment of advanced capabilities, particularly in areas like Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), is set to unleash a wave of innovation across various sectors. Applications ranging from glass-free 3D video streaming services to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) connections in homes, vehicles, and enterprises will benefit from the upgraded network capabilities. The integration of perception positioning systems further solidifies Thailand's position as a technological powerhouse that is ready to support diverse and sophisticated applications.
Source: https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/resources/advancing-the-5g-era-benefits-and-opportunity-of-5g-advanced-whitepaper/
Fueling the Technological Revolution
Thailand's foresight is reflected in its strategic distribution of abundant spectrums, including 26 GHz, 2600 MHz, and 700 MHz. All three spectrums have been commercially leveraged, ensuring that the nation is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of a digital future. Chulalongkorn University's successful completion of 5G on 6 GHz adds another layer of accomplishment to Thailand's technological narrative, showcasing a collaborative effort between academia and the industry, ultimately pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Breathing Life into Thailand's Digital Economy
The completion of two high-quality 5G networks in Thailand has injected newfound vigor into the country's digital economy. This infusion of advanced technology has transcended theoretical advancements to exhibit practical, real-world applications. The positive ripple effect can be felt across diverse sectors, including ports, logistics, hospitals, retail, agriculture, and smart factories. Thailand's digital economy is witnessing a paradigm shift, with 5G applications seamlessly integrating into everyday operations, promising increased efficiency, connectivity, and economic growth.
Thailand's journey towards 5G-Advanced technology is not merely a national achievement but a testament to its aspirations at a global level. By surging ahead in technological prowess, Thailand is poised not only to lead the ASEAN digital revolution but also to establish itself as a formidable global player in the digital landscape. As other nations look to Thailand for inspiration and collaboration, the country's commitment to continuous innovation and collaboration between academia and the industry will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of future technological advancements.
Thailand's achievement in completing the majority of 5G-Advanced technology verifications in 2023 is not just a milestone; it is a declaration of the nation's intent to be at the forefront of the digital revolution. As Thailand forges ahead, it is not just embracing the future but actively shaping it, solidifying its position as a technological powerhouse with the potential to influence the global digital landscape.
