True Corporation is moving ahead to demonstrate the nation’s best network, enhancing communities and businesses throughout Thailand, especially in the South, with 5G networks and digital technologies. True invites Thai and international tourists to experience nature and traditional communities, integrating the development of digital infrastructure with modernized and environmentally friendly network installations that utilize solar energy. This initiative supports sustainable eco-tourism nationwide, including in Surat Thani.
True is also offering outbound visitors the ‘GO Beyond Roaming’ service, which includes In-Flight Roaming and On-Cruise Roaming, enabling users to access roaming services while aboard planes or cruise liners.
Sharad Mehrotra, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of True Corporation Plc., said, “We are committed to delivering the best experience to all our customers throughout the country, both in terms of the best network and superior, seamless service. True has developed and modernized a state-of-the-art digital telecommunications infrastructure to ensure high quality signals while upgrading our network technology to the latest standards. This includes enhancing the user experience with 5G technology and developing environmentally friendly networks while promoting Thai tourism.”
Data Usage in the Southern Provinces – Among the Highest in the Country
True Corporation has analyzed consumer behavior using the AI-powered Business Network Intelligence Center (BNIC) to meet rising data usage. Regionally, the South is leading the trend, with Phuket ranking first for year-on-year growth in data usage in Thailand at 29%, followed by Suphan Buri at 22%, and Surat Thani at 20%. These figures underscore the booming tourism industry in the South.
In Surat Thani province, a hidden gem is gaining popularity among tourists: Koh Nokpao. True is the first service provider to extend its network to this island, enabling the community and its schools to access internet services. The cell tower here is powered by renewable energy, utilizing solar panels, and supports the island community’s eco-tourism aspirations by promoting homestays online, gaining recognition among international tourists. Additionally, True has expanded signal coverage across islands, and the open sea, enhancing the travel experience for both Thai and foreign tourists throughout their trip. True is thereby supporting tourism, a crucial industry for sustaining Thailand’s economic growth.
Net Zero for Sustainable Ecotourism: 6% of Cell Towers in Surat Thani Are Solar-Powered
True Corporation is actively pursuing its Net Zero target by enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity solutions to be modern and efficient. This includes upgrading signal towers to fully support 5G and 4G usage, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. In 2023, energy usage was reduced by over 10,000 megawatt-hours, and greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 4,400 tons. The use of AI and Machine Learning for rapid network issue detection and resolution plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and emissions.
In 2023, True installed solar panels on more than 7,800 signal towers and a data center, saving approximately 45,000 megawatt-hours per year. In 2024, plans are in place to install solar panels on a total of 11,200 towers and 6 data centers, which is expected to save approximately 64,000 megawatt-hours per year and prevent emissions of up to 28,800 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually. Surat Thani has implemented solar-panels at 6% of all towers.
Moreover, True will introduce digital solutions to improve the lifestyles of communities, create value, promote homestays, and enhance daily convenience. Examples include smart farming systems to boost agricultural productivity and medical applications like MorDee, which connects users with online doctors anywhere in Thailand. With over 500 doctors across more than 20 specialties, patients can consult physicians and health experts via video calls, phone calls, or chat, from leading private institutions, conveniently through the app, at their preferred time. This eliminates the need for travel, hospital visits, and long waiting times.
Prathet Tanakuranun, Chief Technology Officer at True Corporation Plc, said, “The tourism industry will benefit from digital infrastructure and the development of 5G, which will make tourism more enjoyable, accessible, and tailored to each area’s needs. True designs our network to meet the demands of each area, especially in key tourism areas such as in the South. Our 5G technology is a significant enabler that will introduce new services in the tourism industry, enhancing the quality and experience for tourists and supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism business in Thailand. True plans to conduct network modernization across the country, including the South. Additionally, True aims to establish One Integrated Network and efficiently utilize frequencies to enable customers to access services on a more comprehensive and faster network.”
True Corporation has identified that the top data usage areas for March 2024 in the South coincide with the top tourist destinations which follow the company’s network development plan. The Southern Top 5 destinations are:
- Koh Samui Island, Surat Thani province.
- Koh Tao Island, Surat Thani province.
- Koh Phi Phi Island, Krabi province.
- Ao Nang Beach, Krabi province.
- Koh Lipe Island, Satun province.
Offers an exclusive world-class privilege
Sharad added, “True and dtac prioritize designing packages and benefits that meet the needs of tourists, as well as leveraging the unique strengths of each local market to attract tourists effectively and provide the best possible travel experience for True and dtac customers, for both international and domestic travel. For domestic travel, we offer a wide range of special privileges for every journey, whether by plane or car, including accommodation in hotels that cater to every need. Additionally, we ensure our customers’ confidence with accident insurance and comprehensive travel coverage.”
Traveling by airplane
- Customers can exchange currency at special rates with Twelve Victory and use airport shuttle services via the Maxim or The Black Tie Limousine apps.
- Enjoy exclusive comforts before the journey. On every flight, indulge in delicious meals at 9 domestic airport lounges, along with special privileges for duty-free shopping and golf cart services from the airplane to the terminal, for True Black Card holders.
Traveling by car
- Vehicle check-up services are available at Cockpit or Autobac, and EV charging at EA Anywhere stations.
- Car rental services from TrueLeasing, DriveHub, and many more, including leading gas station service stations like PT and Susco.
- Café hopping is a must during the journey, with stops at Cafe Amazon, D’Oro, and hip coffee shops throughout the trip.
Hotels that cater to customers
- Room reservations can be made through Ascend Travel, Agoda, and booked via Personal Assistance for True Black/ dtac Platinum Blue customers, along with special privileges from leading hotel chains.
Safe travels
- Enjoy protection from accident/travel insurance from AIA, FWD, Dhipaya Insurance, and Thaivivat Insurance.
For outbound travelers, True Corporation has introduced “GO Travel,” internet and international sim packages, the first premium service for travel beyond ordinary roaming. This offers customers, both from True and dtac, a world-class travel experience, enabling smooth communication worldwide through collaboration with over 700 partners globally.
GO Travel is the first in Thailand to offer international roaming services providing access to the internet, phone, and messaging anywhere, anytime both in-flight and on-cruise.
GO Travel is the first in the Thai roaming industry to offer free in-flight internet with 25 world-class airlines. along with exclusive privileges such as free international travel insurance from collaboration with FWD Life Insurance and Red Carpet check-in services, luxurious VIP travel with leading airlines such as AirAsia, personal assistants, and golf carts at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Premium Service Terminal. Additionally, customers can enjoy up to a 50% discount when using lounge services at the airport with True You and dtac Reward.
- In-Flight Roaming – New Experience! In-flight roaming enables unlimited access to the internet with GO Travel’s on-top package. Simply authenticate and connect when you purchase the GO Travel add-on package, and you can use it immediately when on the plane. Customers can stay connected at all times in the sky with 25 airlines including Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and SWISS Air.
- On-Cruise Roaming: customers can now connect to the internet at all times even when cruising the ocean with the world’s leading cruise lines including Oceania Cruise, Royal Caribbean International, and Regent Seven Seas Cruise.
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