Motorola Inc. started to work with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to conduct trials of mobile WiMAX solutions in Thailand. Through these trials, AIS will be able to make an idea about the next generation personal wireless broadband services.

AIS used Motorola's WiMAX Access Point-400 (WAP-400) platform to start trials in Bangkok and Lamlukka at the beginning of the year 2008. The operator is interested in the performance of real-life applications over the mobile WiMAX network, as well as in customer usage models in all inhabited areas (metropolitan, suburban and rural).

"Instead of focusing only on technology features, we evaluate how customers apply applications over WiMAX network in real life. The results have been outstanding, and it gives us an insight into how we can offer new services through WiMAX," said Mr. Vikrom Sriprataks, CEO of AIS. "Given the potential for WiMAX to become a widely accepted technology, we are delighted to work with a leading supplier such as Motorola to evaluate the capabilities and applications of the technology in Thailand."

"For markets like Thailand that have a high demand for broadband connectivity, Motorola's wi4 WiMAX solutions enable operators to provide broadband services in a cost-efficient and timely manner," said Eric Starnes, vice president, Sales and Services of Asia, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. "The successful trials with AIS demonstrate that our flexible solutions allow operators to expand service offerings and provide the next generation of personal wireless experience to their customers."

AIS looks forward to complement its integrated fixed and mobile communication solutions and offerings through the use of WiMAX. Various applications have been used to test the WiMAX technology during the trials, including substitution of phone line, content delivery platform and high-speed Internet connection. AIS already considers that WiMAX can successfully replace ADSL in offering broadband and different telecom services in cities and suburban areas.

WiMAX 802.16e brought Motorola 19 deployment contracts. The company is also involved in 80 WiMAX engagements with customers situated in more than 40 countries around the world.

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) is a leading provider of integrated fixed and mobile communication solutions and, with more than 50% market share, it is also the established leader in Thailand's wireless communications industry. Today, AIS covers 795 districts throughout Thailand, and the company is continuously expanding and enhancing its network to respond to the market's demands. It tries to integrate the latest technology and to become more than just a voice communication provider. AIS believes that wireless communication will change people's lives for the better.