Wi-Fi access via TMN mobile phones (EAP-SIM)

Monday, April 20, 2009

TMN just presented a pioneer service at world level. It is the result of the implementation of a new Wi-Fi authentication functionality. As of today TMN customers will be able to access the Internet through their mobile phones via any Wi-Fi hotspot with a simple key click PT’s mobile operator consolidates its leadership in terms of wireless Internet access once again, implementing a new technology. It is called EAP-SIM enabling automatic and cost-free Wi-Fi authentication through the mobile phone.

World’s Largest IMS Network for Enterprise Applications

China Mobile is world's largest mobile operator owns world's first network and customer quantity, its network covers the whole China with 450 million customers. The business scope includes: mobile voice, data, IP telephone and multimedia services.

In order to enhance competence, develop KA market and realize full-service operating, China Mobile initiated integrated information network project based on IMS technology at the end of 2006, aiming at building a uniform communication platform combing various office communication modes, and try to find a converged office communication solution for enterprise. ZTE won the bidding of China Mobile IMS Integrated information network exclusively as a result of its mature end-to-end IMS solution and fast customization ability.

ZTE provides end-to-end IMS total solution for China Mobile Integrated information network

, it includes IMS control layer, service layer, access layer, terminals and operating support system. IMS core network and service platform are deployed in head office of China Mobile, interworking and access equipment are deployed in branches of provinces.
The integrated information network is based on uniform service platform and provides rich multimedia office communication services, it includes VoIP, video call, emergency call, supplementary services, IP fax, ONLY, enterprise address list, converged Centrex, mobile operator, instant message, presence, message/MMS interworking, multimedia CRBT, multimedia MMID, multimedia conference, audio mailbox, file transfer, application share and white board.

The integrated information network provides single-point login function and realizes integration of enterprise OA system.

Besides, the integrated information network also provides professional high definition video conference system based on IMS which can reaches 1080i/p high definition, and supports multimedia interworking during conference.

ZTE also is the exclusive IMS client vendor for China Mobile.

Now this client hforms China Mobile's self-owned brand "See Cool" which highly proves advanced position of ZTE IMS terminal in the industry.
China Mobile IMS integrated information network supports various access modes, includes: LAN, WiFi, GPRS/EDGE, HSPA etc.

Read more.

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)

In Thailand, mobile ARPU declines just like any other markets in the world. As of June 2008, average user pays around $6 USD (sub 200 THB) per month for mobile phone service. This is mostly due to the on going price-war, introduced a few years ago.

Voice or Data ?

As of Sep 2008, GSM voice communications still dominates mobile services, just like anywhere else in the world. The minute price in Thailand is considerable one of the cheapest in the world. Data services via SMS and GPRS/EDGE are also available nationwide but are not as popular. The revenue of data service is accounted only around 1.2 % (average of the three major operators) of total service revenue in recent years. Data usage is dominated by SMS service, and GPRS/EDGE usage is not very wide spread in Thailand.

3G services are not yet widely available due to regulation issue.

Postpaid or prepaid ?

Around 90% of mobile subscriptions in Thailand are prepaid. This seems to be a norm for the mobile markets in this region of the world. People just don't want to sign a long-term contract so that they can freely switch to a better price plan/promotion whenever they want. Also, some users find it easier to control their usage in pay-as-you-use fashion. And, from user's point of view, prepaid seems to be more affordable compared to postpaid. From operator's point of view, prepaid eliminates problems of debts and unpaid users. Besides, the advancement of technology makes the investment cost per subscriber for prepaid account cheaper or equal to that of postpaid account.

90% mobile penetration!

The 90% penetration is the figure reported by operators according to the SIM cards distributed in the market. It's worth noting that 90% mobile penetration does not necessarily mean 9 of 10 people possess mobile phones. We know that certain groups of population may not bother to carry a phone. Among these, they are infants, elderly people, those who are hearing impairment, the poors, monks, etc. For example, National Statistical Office (NSO) of Thailand reported 5.8 million (out of 65 million population) are of the age under 6 years old. From my guestimate, these groups of people may be summed up to a quite considerable number. Therefore, the addressable market for mobile phone may be only 70-80% of popoulation. So... how can we reach 90% penetration.