30 November 2023

True Corp’s ‘Single Grid’ initiative to consolidate the networks of True and Dtac is already producing better network coverage and signal quality in pilot projects.

True finalized its merger with Dtac in February 2023. Since then, it’s been relying on roaming to serve True and Dtac customers across both networks. True says more than 76% of customers can now access both networks seamlessly on the 2600MHz and 700MHz bands.

True’s ‘Single Grid’ project aims to consolidate the base station towers and spectrums of the two networks. The goal is to reduce redundant towers without reducing the total number of base stations and utilizes spectrum consolidation to unify and enhance signal speeds.

“We are integrating our infrastructure and adjusting the redundant signal towers. In doing so, we are creating a network with improved signal quality and coverage,” said True CTO Prathet Tankuranun. “Leveraging our data insights, we have delved deeply into usage details in each area and are implementing modern tower signal technology to consolidate our wide and diverse range of spectrums.”

True has already completed spectrum-consolidation pilot projects in South Thailand, where 4G and 5G signals are now stronger and more stable, particularly for home usage. Meanwhile, signal capacity has increased, allowing for more usage in all bands.

“Based on the conducted pilot tests of 5G at 2600MHz, 5G at 700MHz, 4G on the low band, and 4G on the mid-band, it has been found that the signals are approximately two times faster and stronger,” said Tankuranun.

The combined True-Dtac network has spectrum in the 700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 2600MHz, and 26GHz bands. True expects to complete the project in 2025.