True Corporation has successfully expanded its digital infrastructure to Ban Laosu Nok, a remote mountain village in Lampang, marking the first time the community has accessed mobile connectivity since its establishment 31 years ago. The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide and enhance the quality of life for approximately 60 residents of Akha and Mien ethnic backgrounds.
Network Deployment in Challenging Terrain
Ban Laosu Nok, a small community of roughly 20 households, is situated in a mountainous forest area accessible only via steep, winding roads. Due to geographical barriers, residents previously had to travel several kilometers or climb to higher elevations to obtain a signal for essential communication.
To address these challenges, True Corporation deployed its 900 MHz low-band spectrum, selected for its high penetration and wide coverage capabilities suited for valleys and mountainous terrain. The activation was overseen by Thongchai Kwanphut, Head of Network Rollout, and verified through a live video conference between villagers and senior executives, including Group CEO Sigve Brekke and Chief Network Officer Khurrum Ashfaque.
Economic and Educational Impact
The arrival of mobile and internet connectivity has facilitated immediate changes across several sectors:
- Public Health and Safety: Residents can now contact hospitals and emergency services directly from their homes, mitigating risks previously associated with the 31-year lack of coverage.
- Agriculture and Livelihoods: Local coffee farmers, organized as the Ban Laosu Nok Coffee Community Enterprise Group, can now monitor market prices, negotiate directly with buyers, and access modern cultivation techniques online.
- Education: Children in the village are now able to utilize online learning resources, instructional videos, and digital homework submission tools, expanding their educational opportunities beyond the local classroom.
Strategic Commitment to Inclusive Growth
According to Khurrum Ashfaque, this expansion is part of a broader strategy to ensure digital equality in underserved regions. True Corporation highlighted World Bank research indicating that a 10% increase in internet penetration can correlate with a 0.25% to 1.4% growth in GDP, underscoring the economic significance of rural connectivity.
The project aligns with the principle of “leaving no one behind,” transforming mobile technology into a critical enabler for sustainable economic development and social inclusion in Thailand’s most remote border regions.
Voices from the Community as Opportunity Arrives
Somchai Phongthanwalai, a resident of Ban Laosu Nok, said, “Today, we are very happy that Ban Laosu Nok finally has mobile signal. In the past, life was very difficult. In emergencies, we could not call a doctor and had to walk up the mountain or travel to other villages. Now we can make calls directly from home. It is much more convenient. With mobile phones and internet, we can read news, learn about the outside world, and gain knowledge about farming. Making a living has become easier. We can call traders, check prices, negotiate, and even sell products ourselves through mobile phones. Mobile phones are not just for communication. They truly improve our lives, our livelihoods, and help us see a better future.”
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