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Advanced Info Service
Advanced Info Service
from Wikipedia

Advanced Info Service Co., Ltd. (AIS) is Thailand's largest GSM mobile phone operator with 39.87 million customers as of Q3 2016.[5][failed verification] Founded in April 1986, AIS started off as a computer rental business.[6] In October 1990, it launched analog 900 MHz mobile phone services with a 20-year monopoly concession from the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT), and later became the first company allowed to operate on the GSM-900 frequency.[7] It acquired Shinawatra Paging in June 1992.[citation needed]

Key Information

The company is controlled by the Intouch Holdings (formerly Shin Corporation), headed by Temasek Holdings, a Singapore government-owned agency. AIS listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 5 November 1991 (1991-11-05).[8] As of 23 December 2011, Intouch holds 40.45 percent of the shares of the company and Singapore Telecommunications (also majority-held by Temasek) together with Thai Trust Fund and OCBC Nominees holds a 23.32 percent stake.[9][10][11]

Temasek bought the AIS brand through the 2006 acquisition of the Shin Corporation from ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.[12]

In February 2014, in a conflict between the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PRDC) and Shinawatra, the PDRC called for a boycott of AIS, wrongly believing it to be owned by the Shinawatra family.[13]

Subsidiaries

[edit]
  • Advanced Contact Center Company Limited (ACC) – operate AIS Call Center 1175 and 1148
  • Advanced Datanetwork Communications Company Limited (ADC) – provide online data communication service via telephone lines under the name "Datanet", licensed by TOT
  • DataNetwork Solutions Company Limited (DNS) – provide online data communication service via telephone lines under the name "Datanet" in the provincial area
  • mPay – payment processing and e-wallet service

mPay

[edit]

mPay, an AIS subsidiary, is a payment processor and one of Thailand's three major payment service providers.[14] Its partners include CIMB[15] and 2C2P.[16]

According to a 2014 article in The Nation, mPay has around 1.6 million registered users, of which roughly 1.2 million are end-users and 400,000 are mPay agents. 150,000 of mPay's end-users use the service monthly, spending on average 30,000 baht.[17] In November 2015, four million people in Thailand used mPay,[18] and in August 2013, mPay had around 700 merchant partners.[19]

AIS Cloud

[edit]

On 27 June 2025, AIS announced the launch of "AIS Cloud," a hyperscale cloud service, in Thailand, following a 4 billion baht investment. This service will utilize local data centers within Thailand and operates under Thai law. AIS Cloud is powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and is noted as the first of its kind to be operated entirely by a Thai company. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) has awarded AIS Cloud the "dSURE 3-Star certification," the highest level of cloud service accreditation in the country. Corporate customers using AIS Cloud are expected to be eligible for tax incentives.[20]

Services and coverage

[edit]

As of August 2019, AIS is the largest network in Thailand, with 40.1 million subscribers.[21] In addition to post pay services, AIS offers prepaid services under the 1-2-Call brand.

Currently (2020) data is sold in time-based, volume-based and unlimited packages.

AIS operates 2G, 3G WCDMA/HSPA+, LTE, 5G NR, NB-IoT, and eMTC networks.

Frequencies used by AIS's Network in Thailand
Frequency Frequency
band
Frequency
width
(MHz)
Generation Radio interface Notes
700 MHz 28/n28 20 4G & 5G LTE & NR
900 MHz GiLTE 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE
900 MHz 8 10 3G UMTS/HSPA
900 MHz 8 10 4G LTE
1800 MHz 3 20 4G LTE (main frequency)
2100 MHz 1 10 3G UMTS/HSPA
2100 MHz 1 20 4G LTE
2600 MHz 41/n41 100 (TDD) 4G & 5G LTE & NR dynamic spectrum sharing
26 GHz n258 1200 5G NR

Wi-Fi hotspots

[edit]

AIS owns and operates more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots under the name "AIS SUPER WIFI."

Next G

[edit]

In 2017 AIS announced it has teamed up with Samsung Electronics to combine Wi-Fi and LTE in a gigabit-speed mobile service called AIS Next G. The new network is estimated to be 15 times faster than the existing LTE and four times faster than the tri-band LTE-A, the fastest wireless network currently available in Thailand.

AIS Play

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AIS Play was launched on 1 February 2017, serving as Thai's first OTT platform with 4K resolution and VOD, which featured AIS Play Originals (most of which are Boys Love series, such as Oh! My Sunshine Night, I'm Tee, Me Too, War of Y, Not Me and even Thai adaptation of Love Stage!!).

There are over 100 free-to-air channels, including some local channels, available to stream. There's also premium channels included with their Play Premium or Play Premium Plus subscription, such as HBO Asia, Discovery Channel Asia, Bein Sports, Nickelodeon, etc. They also provide streaming app, such as Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, Viu, WeTV, iQiyi and many more.

In 2021, AIS partnered with Thai League 1, Thailand's top-tier football league, to broadcast their matches through their AIS Play application. The deal covered the whole 2021–2022 season and also included matches played in Thai League 2 and Thai League 3. Additionally, the Thai FA CUP was also broadcast on AIS Play.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) is a Thailand-based and firm, operating as the country's largest mobile network provider with a 49% revenue in the sector as of the end of 2023. Founded in and headquartered in , AIS delivers integrated digital life services encompassing , fixed , solutions, and data centers, primarily through its extensive 5G and 4G networks that support over 44.6 million subscribers. The company, listed on the under the ticker ADVANC, has maintained market leadership by investing heavily in spectrum acquisition and infrastructure expansion, enabling seamless connectivity for consumers, businesses, and enterprises across urban and rural areas. Its evolution from a pioneering operator to a comprehensive digital service provider underscores its role in Thailand's landscape, with annual revenues exceeding $6 billion USD in recent years.

History

Founding and early diversification (1986–1989)

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited was established in 1986 with a registered capital of five million baht to operate computer services, initially focusing on computer rental and related solutions amid Thailand's emerging IT sector. The company was founded by , a former who shifted to , recognizing opportunities in amid Thailand's in the mid-1980s. In its early years, AIS expanded beyond basic computer rentals into broader computer services, capitalizing on growing demand for and IT support in business and government sectors. By 1988, the company began transitioning into , diversifying into communication-related technologies and services that bridged IT with emerging telecom infrastructure, setting the stage for cellular operations. This shift reflected strategic adaptation to Thailand's deregulating telecom market, where entry was encouraged, though full mobile concessions awaited until 1990.

Entry into mobile telecommunications (1990–2000)

In 1990, Advanced Info Service (AIS) transitioned from computer services to telecommunications by securing a 20-year concession from the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) to install and operate mobile telephone services using the 900 MHz analog (NMT) system. This concession operated under a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model, requiring AIS to construct before transferring to TOT while retaining operational rights and sharing 20-30% of revenues with the state entity over a 25-27 year term. The agreement granted AIS a monopoly on cellular services in , enabling rapid rollout in urban areas like . Following the concession, AIS launched commercial analog mobile services in October 1990, marking Thailand's entry into widespread cellular telephony. Initial coverage focused on voice calls, with subscriber acquisition driven by business users and early adopters amid limited fixed-line penetration. By 1991, AIS listed on the , raising capital to 500 million baht to fund network expansion. The company formalized its public status in November 1992, supporting further investment in base stations and switching centers. Technological advancement came in 1994 with the introduction of Digital , shifting from analog NMT to enhance capacity, call quality, and support for data features. This upgrade addressed growing demand as mobile penetration rose, with AIS maintaining dominance under the TOT concession. Subscriber numbers accelerated, surpassing 1 million by March 1999. That year, AIS launched prepaid branded One-2-Call, targeting mass-market consumers and boosting accessibility in a prepaid-dominant market. Foreign investment followed, with Telecom acquiring 18.63% of shares, signaling confidence in AIS's growth trajectory. By 2000, AIS extended services with mobileLIFE, Thailand's first mobile internet access via (WAP), integrating basic web browsing and short messaging. This period solidified AIS's position as Thailand's leading mobile operator, with network coverage expanding to major provinces and revenues tied to concession fees supporting TOT's infrastructure goals.

Digital transformation and expansion (2001–present)

In the early 2000s, AIS began transitioning toward data-centric services, launching General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in 2001 to enable high-speed mobile data transmission, coinciding with its subscriber base surpassing 5 million. By 2003, subscribers reached 10 million, and (MMS) was introduced to support richer content delivery. These developments marked initial steps in digital expansion amid growing demand for non-voice services in Thailand's mobile market. The rollout of third-generation () networks accelerated digital capabilities, with AIS initiating limited services in on December 2, 2008, followed by broader deployment on the 2.1 GHz band starting April 2013 and officially launching nationwide coverage in May 2013 across and 20 provinces using 5,000 base stations. Fourth-generation () Long-Term Evolution (LTE) followed, with AIS debuting LTE-Advanced (4.5G) commercially on January 27, 2016, claiming the world's first such network and achieving speeds beyond 1 Gbps by March 2016 through aggregation. By 2017, AIS expanded to gigabit via LTE-Wi-Fi aggregation. Entering the 2020s, AIS positioned itself as a "Digital Life Service Provider" by 2016, integrating mobile, fixed , and operations. The company won Thailand's in 2020 across 700 MHz, 2,600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands, launching non-standalone (NSA) in February and standalone (SA) in July, becoming the first operator to deploy commercial in the country. By 2024, AIS's network covered 90% of , serving approximately 9 million subscribers, or 20% of its base, with initiatives like mmWave SA showcases achieving 7.04 Gbps downlink speeds in 2023. Expansion included Asia's first SA connection in October 2023 and AI-powered autonomous networks for enhanced efficiency by late 2024. Broadband and digital infrastructure grew through acquisitions and partnerships; AIS secured 700 MHz and 26 GHz licenses for 15 years in 2021 and partnered with for cloud services in the same year. In November 2023, subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network acquired Triple T Broadband (3BB) for 32,420 million baht, consolidating fixed broadband market share to over 40% and enhancing home integration, pending final regulatory completion. Further, AIS collaborated with for hyperscale cloud in 2023, launched Thailand's first world-class hyperscale cloud infrastructure in June 2025, and invested 270 million baht with Gulf Energy and in expansion in January 2025. By 2023, AIS evolved toward a "Cognitive TechCo" model, emphasizing AI-driven services, with a 2025 strategy focusing on AI for and on its 35th anniversary. IT transformations, such as consolidating billing on Netcracker's cloud-native platform in January 2024, supported this shift.

Ownership and governance

Major shareholders and ownership changes

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) is primarily owned by Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, which holds approximately 40.44% of the company's shares as of the latest reported data. Singapore's Singtel Strategic Investments Pte Ltd maintains a significant direct stake of about 23.32%, while other institutional holders such as Thai NVDR Co., Ltd. and MFC Asset Management account for smaller portions, with the remainder dispersed among public investors. The company's ownership traces back to its founding in 1986 by through Shin Corporation (originally Shinawatra Computer Service and Investment), which controlled AIS as part of a broader conglomerate. A pivotal change occurred in 2006 when , the state investment fund, acquired a controlling 49.6% stake in Shin Corporation for 73 billion , effectively gaining influence over AIS and sparking political backlash that contributed to Thaksin's removal from power. Subsequent divestitures by led to the formation of in 2010 by a including Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and , which acquired a 41% stake in AIS by 2011, establishing Intouch as the dominant shareholder. , a Temasek subsidiary, gradually increased its involvement, acquiring additional stakes in Intouch and retaining a direct holding in AIS, reaching around 23% by the mid-2010s. A major recent shift unfolded in 2024-2025 with the merger of and , approved by shareholders in March 2025 and completed in the second quarter of that year, resulting in Gulf assuming control of Intouch's 40.44% stake in AIS through the newly formed entity. This amalgamation, valued at over 1 trillion , positioned Gulf's founder as a key influencer in AIS's ownership structure, enhancing synergies between energy and telecom sectors while preserving Singtel's direct interest.

Executive leadership and board structure

The Board of Directors of Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) consists of 12 members, balanced to include six independent directors (50%), two executive directors (17%), and four non-executive directors (33%), reflecting a structure designed for oversight, strategic guidance, and in as of the end of 2024. Independent directors chair key sub-committees, including the Audit and Risk Committee (three members), Nomination and Compensation Committee (three members), and Committee (four members), which provide specialized monitoring and advisory roles to the full board. The board's composition emphasizes expertise in , , and , with at least one-third independent directors per policies. Kan Trakulhoon serves as Chairman and independent director, overseeing board meetings and committee alignments. Sarath Ratanavadi holds the position of Vice Chairman and non-executive director, also chairing the seven-member Executive Committee that bridges board strategy with operational implementation. Executive directors include Chief Executive Officer Somchai Lertsutiwong, who has led AIS since 2010 and participates in the Sustainable Development and Executive Committees, and Surin Krittayaphongphun, whose role shifted from independent to executive director effective August 6, 2025. Recent appointments include independent director Peter Kaliaropoulos and director William Woo Siew Wing, both effective May 6, 2025, enhancing international and financial perspectives on the board.
Key Executive Committee MembersPosition/Role
Chairman; Vice Chairman of the Board
Somchai LertsutiwongMember; CEO and Executive Director
Smith BanomyongMember;
Arthur Lang Tao YihMember;
Yupapin WangviwatMember;
Jeann Low Ngiap JongMember;
William Woo Siew WingMember;
The executive leadership team reports to the CEO and focuses on operational execution, with Deputy CEOs handling core functions: Pratthana Leelapanang as (overseeing networks and consumer business, with 28 years at AIS) and Tee Seeumpornroj as (managing finances and since 2018). Other senior roles include Kantima Lerlertyuttitham as Chief Corporate Officer, Phupa Akavipat as Chief Enterprise Business Officer, and Kitti Ngarmchatetanarom as , supporting strategic areas like enterprise services, retail, and . This layered structure—board for , Executive Committee for , and for day-to-day operations—ensures alignment with shareholder interests and under Thai rules.

Operations

Mobile services

Advanced Info Service (AIS) dominates Thailand's mobile market as the largest operator, with 46 million subscribers recorded in the second quarter of 2025. This base equates to a 49% subscriber , bolstered by a of 49% as of late 2023, amid a post-merger duopoly structure where AIS and the consolidated True entity control over 90% of subscribers. The company's mobile services encompass voice telephony, short message service (), and high-speed data transmission across legacy / networks phased toward LTE and infrastructures. Nationwide population coverage exceeds 95%, with particular strength in regional areas such as , where AIS's SEA COVERAGE network spans over 95% of the territory. Mobile revenue forms the core of AIS's operations, contributing the majority of service income through blended prepaid and postpaid plans, with (ARPU) rising due to of higher-value packages and value-added services like international roaming. AIS pioneered commercial deployment in , launching services on February 20, 2020, initially leveraging mid-band spectrum for urban coverage before expanding with low-band 700 MHz for broader penetration. By mid-2025, subscribers reached 13.9 million, comprising 30% of the total mobile base, with users experiencing leading availability at 38.8% of connection time and superior coverage metrics per independent assessments. Innovations such as the ' Mode' add-on, introduced in December 2023, enable premium data speeds and enterprise applications, driving revenue segmentation beyond basic connectivity. This rollout targeted 88% population coverage by 2023, achieving over 81% en route to near-universal urban penetration in areas like and the .

Fixed broadband and infrastructure services

AIS provides fixed services under the AIS Fibre brand, delivering high-speed via 100% pure optic networks, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) deployments. Launched in 2015, AIS Fibre pioneered full access in , targeting residential and corporate customers with packages offering symmetric speeds up to 1 Gbps upload and download, often bundled with mesh systems, home phone lines, and entertainment options like AIS Playbox. In October 2022, AIS Fibre, in collaboration with , demonstrated Asia's fastest speeds exceeding 100 Gbps in a trial, underscoring its focus on advanced capabilities. By 2024, AIS had grown its fixed broadband subscriber base to approximately 4.9 million, positioning it as Thailand's market leader with a reported best-in-class fixed ISP performance per Ookla's Speedtest metrics for the second half of the year. The company targets 5.3 million subscribers by the end of 2025, supported by nationwide expansion amid a fixed broadband market where AIS and rival True Online collectively hold about 45% share. Fitch Ratings affirmed AIS's strong position in fixed broadband as part of its nationwide service portfolio, contributing to its AAA(tha) credit rating in February 2025. Complementing its broadband operations, AIS maintains supporting infrastructure including and cloud facilities to enable enterprise connectivity and digital services. The AIS Data Center at CW Tower in central provides carrier-grade colocation and connectivity near key business districts. In June 2025, AIS introduced Thailand's first domestically operated hyperscale cloud platform, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and backed by a 4 billion baht in local data centers compliant with Thai regulations, enhancing fixed infrastructure for cloud-native applications. This infrastructure underpins wholesale leasing and supports broader telecom ecosystem sharing, with AIS operating among Thailand's extensive tower and fiber assets for reliable backhaul.

Digital and value-added services

Advanced Info Service (AIS) offers a portfolio of digital services that extend beyond traditional telecommunications, encompassing cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and enterprise platforms designed to support business digital transformation. AIS Cloud, launched in June 2025 as Thailand's first hyperscale cloud infrastructure powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, provides scalable computing resources with integrated AI and machine learning capabilities, enabling edge computing and real-time data processing for AI-driven applications. The platform emphasizes data sovereignty, reducing reliance on foreign providers while supporting IoT deployments through seamless 5G integration. IoT offerings include the AIS IoT Connectivity Portal, which allows enterprises to self-manage SIM cards and connections for machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, backed by extensive (LPWAN) coverage for applications in smart cities, , and industry. AI enhancements leverage analytics for personalized services, such as real-time interactive experiences in mobile and enterprise segments. These services target organizational efficiency, with initiatives like the RISE with implementation in 2025 streamlining core processes in finance and . Value-added services (VAS) focus on consumer and business enhancements, including entertainment content via the AIS PLAY platform, which secured an exclusive partnership with Prime Video in May 2025 to bundle premium streaming in packages like PLAY PREMIUM PLUS, aiming to boost customer loyalty through integrated media access. The myAIS super app serves as a centralized digital hub for users to manage billing, subscribe to packages, redeem privileges, and access lifestyle services, functioning as a one-stop platform for telecom-related transactions. VAS have expanded into health, lifestyle, and e-commerce categories, with partnerships such as the September 2025 collaboration with OR providing fuel discounts, beverage perks, and convenience store benefits tied to mobile subscriptions. For businesses, digital VAS include SME-focused programs like AIS Infinite SMEs, launched in June 2025 to deliver advanced digital skills training aligned with international standards, fostering economic growth through tools for social commerce and intelligent solutions. AIS 5G Mode targets enterprise revenue streams via specialized 5G applications, contributing to organic growth in non-core segments. In 2024, these digital and VAS offerings supported a 17% year-over-year increase in core service revenue to approximately 213,570 million baht, with AIS revising its target for new digital products to 7% of core revenue by 2027 amid sustained demand.

Subsidiaries and affiliates

Advanced Wireless Network (AWN)

Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited (AWN) is a Thai telecommunications firm and wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), holding 99.99% of its shares. Established on September 2, 2005, with a paid-up capital of 350 million baht, AWN focuses on providing telecommunications services, wired and wireless network infrastructure, and computer systems to support high-speed communications across Thailand. AWN operates under licenses from the (NTC) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), including Type One Internet Service (granted September 18, 2008) and Type Three Telecom Network/Service Provider (June 12, 2008). Its spectrum portfolio includes the IMT 2.1 GHz band (licensed December 7, 2012), IMT 1800 MHz band (November 25, 2015), and IMT 900 MHz band (June 30, 2016), enabling advanced mobile and broadband capabilities. In December 2015, shortly after securing the 1800 MHz spectrum, AWN deployed technology as the first operator in to do so, enhancing data speeds and network efficiency. The subsidiary has played a key role in AIS's network expansion, launching Advanced services accessible in 42 provinces. In June 2025, AWN participated in Thailand's mid-band , securing two 15 MHz blocks in the 2100 MHz band for approximately 14.9 billion baht (about $460 million), bolstering capacity for and future digital services amid a duopoly market structure with . This acquisition aligns with AWN's growth phase, emphasizing diverse platforms for faster connectivity and IT services. On May 13, 2025, AWN signed a with the to foster research and academic collaboration in and digital technologies. Financially robust, AWN received a National Long-Term Rating affirmation of 'AAA(tha)' from on February 5, 2025, reflecting strong support from parent AIS and solid competitive positioning in Thailand's telecom sector. The company maintains headquarters at 414 Phaholyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, .

Financial and payment services (e.g., mPay)

mPay, operated through AIS subsidiary MIMO Tech Company Limited, serves as Thailand's pioneering mobile payment service, offering digital financial transactions accessible via mobile devices for all Thai mobile numbers. Launched by AIS as the nation's first such platform, mPay has accumulated over 18 years of operational experience in digital payments, evolving from basic mobile transfers to a full-spectrum e-wallet and processing solution. By 2015, the service had achieved 2.5 million app downloads and 1.4 million active users, reflecting steady adoption amid efforts to promote cashless transactions. Core offerings include secure online payment gateways tailored for businesses across sectors like healthcare, , and ; e-wallet functionalities for transfers, bill settlements, and mobile top-ups; and the mPay Station network, which enables cash-in and acceptance at more than 100,000 physical locations nationwide. The platform supports 24/7 transactions, integrating with partner banks for enhanced liquidity and security, such as collaborations with for expanded merchant acceptance in 2015 and Rabbit LINE Pay in March 2018 to bolster e-money and drive Thailand's cashless economy. In tandem with mPay's growth, AIS has pursued broader financial integration, including a June 2025 virtual bank awarded to its with Krung Thai and PTT Oil and Retail Business for Clicx Bank, targeting branchless to complement services with lending and account . This initiative, formalized post-application in 2024, positions AIS to embed within a unified financial ecosystem, leveraging telecom data for personalized services while adhering to regulations.

Cloud and data services (e.g., AIS Cloud)

Advanced Info Service (AIS) operates data center facilities offering premium colocation services for computation and network equipment, emphasizing advanced security technologies to protect client infrastructure. These facilities support businesses requiring reliable physical hosting with features like redundant power systems and environmental controls, catering to sectors such as and where is paramount. In addition to physical data centers, AIS provides AIS Enterprise Cloud, an (IaaS) platform designed for medium- to large-scale enterprises. This offering delivers customizable virtual compute resources, storage, and networking, with built-in security measures to ensure scalability and compliance with operational needs. It enables clients to deploy workloads without managing underlying hardware, focusing on hybrid cloud environments that integrate with existing on-premises systems. On June 26, 2025, AIS launched AIS Cloud, marketed as Thailand's first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud platform, in partnership with using Oracle Alloy and Cloud Infrastructure. The platform, backed by an of approximately 4 billion , provides over 100 cloud services including AI and tools for model development, management, and deployment. It addresses requirements under Thailand's Protection Act (PDPA) by maintaining local governance and low-latency access through domestic infrastructure. AIS received the dSURE 3-Star from Thailand's Promotion Agency, the first such hyperscale platform in the country to achieve this rating for and reliability. Tailored for enterprises and entities, it supports AI-driven workloads with hyperscale performance while ensuring compliance with national cybersecurity standards and enabling seamless transitions from legacy systems. The service positions AIS to meet growing demand for solutions amid increasing regulatory scrutiny on .

Technological developments

Network infrastructure and coverage

Advanced Info Service (AIS) maintains an extensive mobile network infrastructure in , encompassing radio access networks, core systems, and backhaul connectivity to support voice, data, and emerging services. The company's infrastructure includes over 13,500 base stations deployed on the 700 MHz spectrum band through its subsidiary Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), enabling enhanced indoor penetration and rural coverage for and services. This deployment, agreed upon with National Telecom (NT) in 2023, spans all 77 provinces and forms a foundational layer for low-band spectrum utilization. AIS's spectrum portfolio bolsters its infrastructure capacity, including holdings in the 700 MHz, 2,600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands for , supplemented by acquisitions in the 1,500 MHz, 2,100 MHz, and 2,300 MHz bands during a totaling over THB 41 billion. These allocations enable multi-band aggregation for improved throughput and reliability. The backhaul relies on a fiber optic network extending coverage to over 20 million households, facilitating high-speed data transport and fixed integration. In terms of coverage, AIS achieves population coverage exceeding 95% nationwide as of 2024, with and legacy networks providing redundancy in non- areas. Independent assessments confirm AIS's superior coverage experience, scoring 8.5 out of 10 in Opensignal's June 2025 report, outperforming competitors due to denser site deployment in urban and suburban zones. Regional expansions include over 95% and coverage in southern Thailand, targeting tourist hubs and economic corridors. Overall network availability reaches 98% of the population across , , and , prioritizing densely populated areas while progressively addressing remote terrains through spectrum refarming and site upgrades.

5G rollout and advanced technologies

Advanced Info Service (AIS) launched commercial 5G services in Thailand on February 24, 2020, becoming the first operator in the country to do so, initially utilizing the 2600 MHz spectrum band in non-standalone (NSA) mode. The rollout expanded nationwide shortly thereafter, with early focus on urban areas like Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), achieving over 81% population coverage by late 2022 and targeting 88% by the end of 2023. By mid-2025, AIS maintained leading 5G coverage experience scores, with users connecting to 5G networks 38.8% of the time, supported by multi-band deployments including low-band 700 MHz acquired in 2023 for enhanced rural penetration. As of Q3 2024, AIS served 11.5 million 5G subscribers, reflecting a 35% year-over-year increase, amid total mobile subscribers exceeding 46 million. To bolster network performance, AIS has integrated advanced multi-spectrum strategies, including the repurposing of 2.1 GHz spectrum for and acquisitions in the 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands during a June 2025 auction totaling over THB 41 billion. Key innovations include Thailand's first 3CC in 2024, enabling higher throughput by combining three component carriers, alongside New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) demonstrations using 2.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands in partnership with and . AIS has also advanced to standalone (SA) architecture, with milestones such as the first mmWave SA showcase at 26 GHz in 2023 and user equipment aggregation trials in 2025 to support uplink-intensive applications like XR and industrial IoT. Further technological advancements encompass autonomous network operations for self-optimizing infrastructure, (MEC), and private networks tailored for and security applications. The AIS Paragon Platform facilitates enterprise adoption by integrating these capabilities into an innovation ecosystem, while collaborations with , , , , and have driven use cases such as -powered services and Southeast Asia's first fully connected . These efforts have earned AIS recognitions including Ookla's Best Network for H1 2025 and Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) awards for market development in April 2025.

Innovations in AI, IoT, and digital platforms

Advanced Info Service (AIS) has invested in AI infrastructure through the launch of AIS Cloud, Thailand's first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud platform, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and introduced in June 2025. This platform provides over 100 cloud services tailored for AI and workloads, with local data centers ensuring compliance with Thai regulations and supporting reduced latency for AI applications. It received Thailand's first dSURE 3-Star Cloud certification from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, emphasizing secure, AI-ready digital transformation for enterprises. In , AIS implemented AI-driven tools including , digital twins for network simulation, and for issue resolution, enabling faster field technician responses and personalized support as of October 2025. The company also established AI governance frameworks to guide ethical deployment, focusing on and responsible in its operations. For IoT, AIS operates a nationwide (NB-IoT) network covering all 77 provinces, launched as Thailand's first commercial IoT service, supporting low-power, wide-area applications in smart metering and asset tracking. The Enterprise Magellan IoT Platform provides real-time device management, monitoring, and analytics for businesses, integrating with for enhanced scalability. In partnership with since 2021, AIS has delivered 5G-enabled IoT solutions for manufacturing, including and in key Thai sectors. Digital platforms include the AIS Paragon Platform, an accelerating 5G adoption across industries through use-case development and partnerships, contributing to revised targets of 7% revenue from new digital services by 2027. AIS also adopted RISE with in 2025 to build an intelligent digital core, streamlining finance, supply chain, and governance processes for operational efficiency. These initiatives position AIS as a provider of integrated connectivity, , and platforms for Thailand's .

Financial performance and market position

Revenue, profitability, and key metrics

In 2024, Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) reported of ฿213,569 million, reflecting a 13% year-over-year (YoY) increase from ฿188,872 million in 2023, driven primarily by growth in core service segments including and enterprise solutions. Core service revenue, which excludes equipment sales and other non-recurring items, reached ฿162,363 million, up 17% YoY, with mobile services contributing ฿123,803 million (4.8% YoY growth), at ฿29,441 million (116% YoY growth due to expanded coverage and subscriber additions), and enterprise non-mobile revenue at ฿9,120 million (34% YoY growth). Profitability strengthened, with EBITDA rising to ฿113,243 million, a 20% YoY improvement from ฿94,369 million in 2023, achieving a 53% margin compared to 50% the prior year, supported by expansion and operational efficiencies including contributions from the Triple T Broadband (TTTBB) consolidation. Net profit attributable to owners totaled ฿35,075 million, marking a 21% YoY increase from ฿29,088 million, with a of 16%. grew 33% YoY to ฿116,622 million, enabling a payout of ฿10.61 per share, representing 90% of net profit. Key operational metrics underscored AIS's market position in Thailand's telecommunications sector. Mobile subscribers stood at 45.8 million by year-end, maintaining a 48% subscriber and 49% share in mobile services. Fixed broadband subscribers reached 5.01 million, capturing 47% of the market, with blended mobile ARPU at ฿228 (up 2% YoY) and fixed broadband ARPU at ฿509 (up 3.9% YoY), reflecting shifts toward higher-value postpaid and plans comprising 54% of mobile revenue mix.
Metric2024 Value (฿ million unless noted)YoY Change
213,569+13%
Core Service Revenue162,363+17%
EBITDA113,243+20%
Net Profit35,075+21%
Mobile Subscribers45.8 million+2.6%
Fixed Broadband Subscribers5.01 million+5.6%
Mobile ARPU฿228+2%
Fixed Broadband ARPU฿509+3.9%

Market share and competitive landscape

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) holds a leading position in Thailand's market, particularly in mobile services, where it commanded 49% of revenue by the end of , up from 48% in 2023. This dominance stems from AIS's focus on premium data services and higher (ARPU), despite holding a larger subscriber base post its 2023 merger with Total Access Communication (). The Thai mobile market is effectively a duopoly, with AIS and True controlling approximately 95-99.57% of connections, leaving National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) with a marginal share of under 5%. True Corporation, the primary competitor, emerged as the largest operator by subscriber count following regulatory approval of its merger with dtac in late 2023, achieving around 52% subscriber share in early post-merger assessments, though revenue share lags at approximately 43-51% depending on metrics. Competition intensifies in areas like deployment, expansion, and bundled digital services, with both firms investing heavily—around THB 25-30 billion annually in —to capture growth in data traffic and enterprise solutions. AIS differentiates through its integrated , including optics via subsidiary 3BB, which leads fixed with 4.9 million subscribers as of mid-2025, outpacing True Online's 3.7 million. The landscape reflects consolidation effects from the True-dtac merger, reducing competitive pressures and prompting scrutiny over , though regulators have imposed spectrum-sharing and pricing safeguards. Smaller players like NT focus on niche government and rural segments, while virtual network operators (MVNOs) rely on wholesale access from the duopoly, limiting disruptive threats. Overall, the market's projected CAGR of 3-4% through 2030 is driven by adoption and , with AIS and True vying for supremacy through innovations in AI, IoT, and non-telecom adjacencies like .

Controversies and criticisms

In 2014, National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), formerly the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT), initiated against Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) seeking damages of 32.813 billion baht for alleged lost revenue from services and additional revenue shares under a 1990 concession agreement that expired in 2003, during a temporary customer protection period. The initially awarded NT approximately 20 billion baht in 2019, prompting AIS to appeal to the Central , which in January 2020 partially revoked the award, leading to warn of potential leverage increases for AIS if payments were enforced. Further proceedings ensued, with the Central dismissing NT's core claims in October 2023 and the Supreme rejecting NT's appeal on July 12, 2024, ruling AIS not obligated to pay the additional revenue share. Related to the NT dispute, the Supreme Administrative Court in June 2022 upheld a National Broadcasting and Commission (NBTC) order requiring AIS to pay an administrative fine of 100,000 baht per day from May 30, 2012, for non-compliance with revenue-sharing obligations during the post-concession period, potentially accumulating to billions of baht pending final calculation. This stemmed from AIS's challenge to NBTC enforcement actions tied to the same concession disputes. In November 2022, AIS petitioned the Central Administrative Court to revoke NBTC's conditional approval of the True Corporation and Total Access Communication (dtac) merger, arguing it would reduce market competition and violate regulatory safeguards under Thailand's Telecommunications Business Act. AIS withdrew the lawsuit on September 2, 2023, as the merger proceeded to completion, amid NBTC's imposition of spectrum divestment and network-sharing conditions on True to mitigate dominance concerns. The merger's approval had faced scrutiny for potentially creating a duopoly with AIS, though NBTC maintained it preserved competition through remedies. Earlier, in 2015, the NBTC fined AIS and jointly over 150,000 baht daily for overcharging international voice call rates, enforcing compliance under regulatory oversight. AIS has also defended successfully against ancillary claims, such as a 2021 request by English rights holders alleging in broadcasting, where the court ruled no violation occurred.

Customer service and operational complaints

Users have frequently reported challenges accessing effective customer support from Advanced Info Service (AIS), particularly non-Thai speakers encountering limited English-language options on primary helplines like 1175, 1148, and 02-079-9000, often requiring multiple attempts or alternative channels such as email to [email protected] for resolution. Independent review platforms reflect low satisfaction, with AIS receiving an average rating of 2.1 out of 5 from 13 reviews on Trustpilot, citing unresponsive emails and unresolved eSIM activation failures despite repeated outreach via multiple channels including X (formerly Twitter). Operational complaints center on network reliability, including fibre optic outages lasting over a day in areas like Sukhumvit, , in late June 2025, where customers received multiple inaccurate updates promising imminent fixes that failed to materialize, exacerbating frustration amid ongoing instability. Broader connectivity issues, such as severe from AIS networks to international edges like starting at specific routing hops, have disrupted services for users in October 2025, pointing to potential peering or infrastructure deficiencies. In May 2024, a nationwide mobile network interruption prompted AIS to issue apologies and compensation, though a consumer survey indicated that 81% of Thai telecom users, including those on major networks like AIS, faced disruptions in the preceding six months, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in the sector's duopoly structure. Additional grievances include unauthorized activations of premium subscriptions (e.g., 10 baht daily "information" services) without consent, refusals to refund, and unilateral package upgrades to costlier plans, as documented in user accounts from 2025. Claims of regarding service features have also surfaced, with denials of refunds despite evidence of backend misconfigurations, prompting recommendations to escalate via call centers or to competitors for leverage. While AIS maintains a dedicated complaint center at its Phaholyothin headquarters and ([email protected]), these reports suggest gaps in resolution efficiency, contrasting with the company's internal goals for zero outages through network investments announced in October 2024.

Market dominance and competition concerns

Advanced Info Service (AIS) maintains a leading position in Thailand's mobile telecommunications market, holding a revenue market share of 49% as of the end of 2023, with approximately 44.6 million subscribers. This dominance persisted into 2024, where AIS's mobile share remained at 49%, bolstered by its extensive infrastructure and spectrum holdings. Together with the merged (combining True and ), AIS and True control over 90% of Thailand's mobile subscribers, forming an effective duopoly that has intensified scrutiny over dynamics. The 2023 True-DTAC merger, approved by 's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) with conditions aimed at preserving competition, reduced the number of major mobile operators from three to two, prompting concerns about diminished rivalry, potential price hikes, and service quality degradation. AIS opposed the merger, filing petitions in the to revoke NBTC's approval, arguing it would harm market balance, though the court upheld the decision in subsequent rulings. Consumer groups, including the Thailand Consumers Council, challenged the merger's legality, citing unconstitutional regulatory processes and risks of monopolistic practices, but these suits were dismissed by the in 2025. Post-merger data indicates increased service outages and quality issues, attributed by experts to the duopoly's reduced incentives for investment in reliability. Regulatory responses have included spectrum auctions, such as the June 2025 event for 2.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands, intended to foster competition by allocating resources to AIS and True while encouraging smaller players like MVNOs; however, critics argue the process favors incumbents and neglects access rules for virtual operators. NBTC imposed safeguards in related deals, such as requiring AIS to uphold principles during its 2023 acquisition of Triple T Broadband to prevent anti-competitive bundling. Despite these measures, ongoing complaints highlight barriers for MVNOs, including NBTC's enforcement lapses on network access, which perpetuate the dominance of AIS and True.

References

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