AIS has deployed its 5G-ADVANCED Uplink capability across 100% of its outdoor service areas in Bangkok, establishing the Thai capital as the world’s first capital city with citywide coverage for the technology.
Citywide Uplink 2CC Deployment and Nationwide Reach
The network expansion leverages Uplink 2CC technology, which combines the 2600 MHz and 700 MHz spectrum bands on AIS’s 5G Standalone (5G SA) network to deliver upload speeds up to two times faster. The upgrade targets shifting digital behavior driven by the rise of artificial intelligence applications, social media creation, live streaming, and live commerce, where users generate and upload larger volumes of data. Alongside the Bangkok deployment, AIS has rolled out the Uplink 2CC capability to central districts across all 77 provinces nationwide.
Mr. Kitti Ngarmchatetanarom, Chief Technology Officer of AIS, explained that digital infrastructure must progress beyond basic connectivity to support emerging technologies in everyday life, transport, healthcare, and industrial operations. “We therefore believe that networks today must evolve beyond simply providing connectivity,” stated Mr. Kitti. “They must become a National Intelligent Infrastructure capable of supporting the technologies and services of the future. AIS is driving the development of this infrastructure through our WISE Framework, bringing together the capabilities of Spectrum, Technology, and Expertise across four key pillars: Watch Ahead, Innovate Beyond, Security & Trust, and Energy Intelligence.”
Downlink Upgrades and National Digital Strategy
Complementing the uplink rollout, AIS is expanding Downlink 3CC capability by aggregating the 2600 MHz, 700 MHz, and 2100 MHz spectrum bands to provide download speeds up to 1.5 times faster. Downlink 3CC currently covers the majority of Bangkok, with AIS targeting full coverage of the capital by the end of 2026. The continuous deployment of carrier aggregation on the 5G SA network aims to deliver an end-to-end 5G-ADVANCED performance profile for real-time and next-generation services.
Mr. Kitti emphasized that the network’s innovation focus centers on real-world scalability and readiness for incoming technological developments, including Cloud, IoT, Smart City, Smart Health, automation, and Agentic AI. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the infrastructure is ready before those demands arrive,” he noted, pointing to the goal of advancing Thailand into an ASEAN AI Connectivity Hub and supporting the regional AI economy.
Availability and Network Scope
AIS customers with compatible devices can access the 5G-ADVANCED network without paying extra package fees. The 100% coverage metric specifically designates AIS outdoor service areas in Bangkok, with indoor coverage excluded and signal quality subject to building characteristics and environmental factors.
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