August 1, 2019 – dtac has installed signal boosters to provide 4G mobile coverage for passengers riding the MRT Blue Line extension. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has begun offering free test rides to the public from Wat Mangkon to Tha Phra during the trial run starting July 29, 2019 until September 28, 2019. The official launch date of the completed Blue Line extension from Hua Lamphong to Lak Song has been set for September 29, 2019.
The Wat Mangkon-Tha Phra section is part of the Blue Line extension that runs from Hua Lamphong to Lak Song. The MRT expects 20,000 passengers per day or 1.2 million passengers during the 2-month trial run period. To accommodate this increase in traffic, dtac has proceeded with a rollout of signal boosters and trials of both voice and data services. dtac will also bolster its coverage on the second phase of the Blue Line extension in time for its opening.
Mr. Prathet Tankuranun, Chief Technology Officer, Total Access Communication PLC or dtac, said, “dtac has already expanded 4G coverage at the four new underground stations – Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot, Sanam Chai and Itsaraphap – to provide high-speed mobile connectivity during the free ride period. Moreover, dtac is working with the MRTA and all related parties to accelerate the installation of 4G signal boosters along the remaining Blue Line extension from Tha Phra to Lak Song to ensure uninterrupted mobile communication for dtac customers, whose average data consumption has grown to 500 MB per day.”
The four new underground stations go beyond mere commuting thanks to their lavish designs and connections to key tourist attractions, shopping and food experiences. dtac is therefore extending its 4G network coverage in these areas to provide voice and mobile data services at high-traffic locations near the new stations, such as Yaowarat’s vibrant street food and shopping zones along Charoen Krung Road, Phahurat Road, Pak Klong Talad and more.