AIS chief Somchai Lertsutiwong and NBTC chairman Sukit Khamasunthorn launched the 5G network at the NBTC office, along with a display of AIS’s 5G network capacity via a speed test, 4K video streaming and video calls from five major cities in the country.

“AIS opened a new chapter in the industry as the first operator to launch a 5G network in the country on the 2600MHz range,” Mr Somchai said.

Although AIS has thousands of cell sites compatible with the 2600MHz range for 5G services, full 5G adoption requires collaboration from all related parties for ecosystem development, he said.

“Real optimum benefits from 5G can be expected within one or two years,” Mr Somchai said. “AIS invites vertical industries to collaborate to shape up the ecosystem and use cases.”

AIS chief consumer business officer Pratthana Leelapanang said the 16 million customers using AIS’s 4G service who have smartphones compatible with the 2600MHz range can immediately benefit from the service with 400% increased speed on mobile internet.