True Corp has contracted Alcatel-Lucent to supply an IP transport network for the Thai mobile incumbent in Bangkok.
Under the four-year agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will provide an IP and optical network upgrade capable of speeds of 100G and beyond.
The upgrade aims to converge True's mobile, cable and internet backhaul over a common network, while providing a clear upgrade path from 3G to the operator's nascent 4G network.
The deal covets the Bangkok area, which accounts for more than 15 million mobile subscribers and 1 million broadband households, as well as 65% of Thailand's telecom traffic.
Alcatel-Lucent will provide a service aggregation router, ethernet and service access switches and a service aware manager.
Vichaow Rakphongphairoj, True Corp's group COO, said the project aims to improve the quality and cost efficiency of the operator's business.
“Alcatel-Lucent’s commitment on both key business criteria is strong and is the foundation of our partnership, True looks forward to a long and profitable collaboration,” he said.
True Corp launched Thailand's first 4G network in Bangkok in May 2013, using the 2.1-GHz band.
Last week, the operator committed to investing an extra 4 billion baht ($122.9) into its 4G network, and set a target of rolling out 4,000 more 4G base stations – up from 3,000 at end-September – by the end of February 2015.