True Corporation Expands Signal Coverage Nationwide for Countdown Festival with ‘Travel Behavior X Event’ Data Set; Prioritizes Urgent Signal Support in Flood-Hit Narathiwat[...]

True Corporation Expands Signal Coverage Nationwide for Countdown Festival with 'Travel Behavior X Event' Data Set; Prioritizes Urgent Signal Support in Flood-Hit Narathiwat and Yala

26 December 2023

December 26, 2023 - True and dtac customers are set to enjoy wider network coverage and faster, stronger internet signals during the New Year festival. True Corporation has utilized travel behavior insights and event mapping for the festive and countdown season leading into 2024. This analysis reveals that the Northeastern region is expected to attract the highest number of tourists. To accommodate this, True Corporation is providing 5G, 4G, and Wi-Fi voice and data services to customers nationwide and also ensuring the readiness of the True Online Broadband network for optimal performance.

In response to the heavy rainfall from December 22-24, True Corporation has expedited operations to maintain mobile signals and home internet service. This weather event resulted in flooding in Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Satun, and Songkhla provinces of the southern region.

Mr. Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer of True Corporation Plc, said, "We have continuously developed the network nationwide through the synergies of True and Dtac to increase network efficiency across every spectrum for the upcoming New Year festival. We have prepared signals to accommodate mobile phone usage throughout Thailand. This year, we have utilized mobility data to identify departure and arrival travel patterns in every province and to analyze countdown activities data nationwide. Additionally, we are utilizing AI technology to oversee signal quality and identify any irregularities in both mobile and broadband networks, ensuring maximum service readiness. This enables us to plan and enhance mobile phone service efficiency more effectively."

The analysis of Mobility data and overall service usage, in line with the objectives and activities related to telecommunication public service, reveals that the top 10 provinces with the highest number of travelers last year among True and dtac customers are Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Buriram, Roi Et, Srisaket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani (in alphabetical order). Notably, the Northeastern region is the most popular, recording the highest number of visitors during the New Year celebration. Therefore, True Corporation has continually developed its network to enhance efficiency in every province. Currently, True-dtac 5G covers 90% of the population, while 4G coverage reaches 99%.

Happiness Signal Boost During Nationwide New Year Celebrations

1. COW Vehicles and Extra Signal Equipment Deployed to Key Countdown Festival Locations - True and dtac have boosted network signals in areas hosting New Year celebrations and activities, including venues with large gatherings and major department stores. Special support, including COW (Cell on Wheels) and additional equipment, has been provided in Bangkok, as well as in provinces with event locations and tourist destinations nationwide. These include:

• Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 at ICON Siam, Bangkok.
• Mega Countdown 2024 at Mega Bangna, Bamgkok.
• Central World Countdown 2024, Bangkok.
• New Year Celebration 2024 at Siam Paragon, Bangkok.
• Asiatique Countdown 2024, Bangkok,
• Future Park and Zpell Department Stores, Pathum Thani.
• Countdown to Welcome the First Light of the Year at Pha Taem and Pha Chanadai, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
• Khon Kaen Countdown 2024.
• Chang Buriram Countdown 2024
• Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival
• Chiang Mai Countdown 2024 at Central Festival Chiang Mai.
• New Year celebration 2024 at the clock tower, Chiang Rai.
• Tawan Daeng Music Festival, Phitsanulok.
• Patong beach countdown and Central Floresta Phuket.
• Countdown at Central Hatyai, Songkhla.
• Pattaya Countdown 2024, Central Pattaya beach and Marina Countdown 2024, Chon Buri.

1. Bus, Train Stations, and Airports - True and dtac are focusing on major transportation hubs, anticipating increased service usage at airports, train stations, and bus stations. Plans are in place to accommodate enhanced services in these specific areas.
2. Main Traffic Routes - True and Dtac have expanded signal coverage along major traffic routes that connect each region, catering to both personal vehicles and public transportation. This expansion supports those traveling for holidays or returning to their hometowns, especially in the popular Northeastern and Northern regions during the festive season. Coverage also extends to main routes in the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions.
3. Holy Traffic Routes - True and dtac are prepared to provide services during the New Year festivities in areas where people gather for making merit or year-end prayers, both in Bangkok and in various provinces nationwide.
4. 5. Setting a special work unit to oversee signals 24 hours a day- a special adhoc team at the Central network operation to inspect network and provide services 24 hours a day is set and cooperated with other teams in the regions or various provinces to adjust the plan to accommodate higher efficiency usage during the New Year festival nationwide. A team to oversee broadband, WiFi, TrueVisions and TrueID is also established to live broadcast countdown moment along with True Call Center 1242 and dtac Call Center 1678.

Furthermore, True Corporation has dispatched an operational team to oversee telecommunications services, covering both mobile phones and home internet. This team is equipped with spare parts for network infrastructure and base stations to address any emergencies arising from the heavy rain that occurred from December 22nd to 24th, 2023, in the southern region, which led to flooding in Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Satun, and Songkhla. Consequently, a dedicated team has been formed to closely and continuously monitor the rain situation.