Thailand's Dtac has contracted Nokia to deploy the nation's first commercial TD-LTE network to complement its existing 4G network.
The operator is deploying the network using state-owned TOT's 2300-MHz spectrum as part of a lease of telecom equipment and domestic roaming agreement signed by the two companies in April.
Announcing the deal, the companies said the network is being deployed in the northeast, north and south of Thailand, including major provinces such as Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Nokia will provide radio, massive MIMO adaptive antenna and system modules based on its AirScale platform for the deployment, which will also provide Dtac with an upgrade path to 5G. Nokia will also supply its NetAct virtualized network management software as part of the deal.
"Dtac TURBO on TOT's 2300-MHz spectrum is committed to using the best possible technology. 4G TDD provides the highest quality of service to our customers,” Dtac CTO Prathet Tankuranun said.
“Nokia, one of dtac strategic partners, will provide the latest generation Radio Access Network solutions and services to help dtac cater to the growing demand for high-speed mobile broadband while driving our evolution to 5G forward.”