In a first for the Asean region, Thai operators AIS and Dtac have teamed up to facilitate cross-network VoLTE calls.
The operators enabled AIS-Dtac VoLTE calls last week and plans to implement cross-network 4G video calls from Tuesday.
Cross-network VoLTE calls are being made available to both prepaid and postpaid customers at no additional cost.
While each of Thailand’s top three mobile operators – AIS, Dtac and True Corp – recently launched VoLTE, the functionality had previously only been available for within-network calls.
Industry watchers believe the move may be an attempt by market leaders AIS and Dtac to fend off competition from fast-growing challenger True Corp. But the Nation quotes True Corp’s chief commercial officer Kittinut Tikawan as stating that the company is confident it can negotiate simila deals with both AIS and Dtac.
The move will also pave the way for the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in Thailand later this month.