AIS

Thailand-based AIS started off 2023 with profit and revenue gains driven by a modest recovery in consumer purchasing power and tourist-related consumption, along with an increase in 5G subscribers. Net profit grew 7. 1 per cent year-on-year to THB6. 8 billion ($201.

The growing attraction of fixed-mobile convergence in Asia was highlighted recently by major players in the region looking to acquire fibre assets in Indonesia, Thailand and most recently Hong Kong.

Thai operator AIS’ bottom-line in Q4 2022 was impacted by continued price competition, particularly in the low-cost unlimited data segment, but forecast its mobile business to grow in 2023 as uptake of 5G service gains momentum.

Thai mobile operator AIS backed out of a joint venture to deliver digital banking services, with partner Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) to acquire its 50 per cent stake.

The board of AIS subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network agreed to pursue a planned acquisition of two broadband companies owned by Jasmine International despite certain conditions it sought being rejected.

Thai mobile operator AIS recorded uptake of 5G users on its expanding network, but rising inflation weighed on consumer spending in Q3, putting downward pressure on ARPU. AIS added 4 million 5G subscribers for a total 5.

LIVE FROM HUAWEI MBB FORUM, BANGKOK: Thai operators AIS and True Corp predicted uptake of 5G services to gain momentum after the prices of compatible handsets recently dropped to below $200.