According to GlobalData, a prominent data and analytics company, mobile voice service revenues are expected to decrease due to a decline in mobile voice service ARPU, with operators offering unlimited free voice minutes in bundled plans.
On the other hand, mobile data service revenues are forecasted to increase by 5.2% annually, fueled by the growing adoption of smartphones, mobile internet subscriptions, and the utilization of mobile data services. This is expected to grow in tandem with 5G services.
GlobalData Telecom Analyst, Kantipudi Pradeepthi, noted that, while 4G services dominated mobile subscriptions in 2024, 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 4G subscriptions by 2026. This shift is being driven by the increasing demand for 5G services and operators’ efforts in expanding their 5G networks.
For example, True plans to upgrade 10,000 sites and achieve 95% 5G coverage by the end of 2025. In the fixed communication services sector, fixed voice services are declining due to a drop in circuit-switched subscriptions.
However, fixed broadband service revenue is projected to grow by 2% annually from 2024 to 2029, supported by the increasing adoption of Fiber-to-the-Home/Business (FTTH/B) broadband subscriptions.
Pradeepthi explained that the growing demand for high-speed broadband, the expansion of FTTH networks in urban areas, government initiatives to expand fiber network coverage, and the phasing out of DSL services serve as factors driving the growth of fiber broadband subscriptions.
The revenue from pay-TV services in Thailand is expected to grow by 6.6% annually, driven by the growth in IPTV subscriptions and a steady increase in DTH and cable TV subscribers.
In conclusion, Pradeepthi acknowledged that True is expected to lead the mobile service segment in 2024, while AIS will lead in the fixed broadband market, particularly in the FTTH segment.
