True bolsters 5G network development

Business General True bolsters 5G network development PUBLISHED : 9 Nov 2026 at 03:47 NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business WRITER: Komsan Tortermvasana Listen Small Medium Large Share Facebook Reddit Copy Link True Corporation has stepped up the development of its nationwide 5G network, deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-powered network twin technology to improve network planning, optimise capacity and anticipate potential problems before they affect services. The technology creates a virtual replica of the company's physical telecom infrastructure, allowing engineers to simulate different scenarios, assess the impact of proposed changes and identify opportunities to improve network performance before implementing them in the real world. The initiative forms part of True's longer-term strategy to develop an autonomous network, with greater use of AI and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and deliver more reliable connectivity, said the company. Through its True5GX service, the company is working to increase network speed, capacity and reliability to accommodate rising data consumption and more diverse customer requirements, said Khurrum Ashfaque, chief network officer of True Corporation. "Customers are consuming significantly more data, while different locations have different connectivity needs. True is focused on enhancing network speed, capacity, reliability and management by combining advanced 5G technologies with data analytics and AI to deliver better connectivity experiences across Thailand," he said. As of the third quarter of 2026, True had 48.8 million mobile subscriptions, including 20.5 million 5G subscriptions. Average mobile data consumption was 38 gigabytes per subscriber per month in the first half of 2026, up 35% from the level before the amalgamation of True and Total Access Communication in early 2023. The increase underscores growing demand for higher network capacity, faster data transmission and more dependable connectivity, said Mr Ashfaque. The company plans to integrate network twin with its nano cluster strategy, which focuses on managing network performance at a more localised level according to actual customer usage patterns and demand. In Krabi and other popular destinations in southern Thailand, for example, mobile traffic can fluctuate considerably according to travel seasons and visitor numbers. Network twin allows engineers to simulate demand scenarios and assess where additional capacity, improved coverage or network upgrades should be prioritised. The strategy supports True's broader efforts to strengthen connectivity beyond major urban centres, extending coverage to islands and maritime routes, particularly in tourist destinations along the Andaman coast. On Maya Bay on the Phi Phi Islands, True launched 5G services using microwave backhaul technology. KEYWORDS True corporation 5g network development Telecom infrastructure Network twin technology Thailand mobile connectivity Ai in telecommunications True5gx COMMENT