AIS introduces 'radio TV live broadcasting' for mobiles

Advanced Info Service has tied up with 99.5 Advance Radio to pilot a service that allows mobile-phone users to "watch" live radio programmes.

AIS executive vice president for marketing Somchai Lertsutiwong said the tie-up reflected the convergence between two different industries to create value-added service.

AIS users whose mobile phones feature the Real Player audio media player can now access the 99.5 radio channel to watch its DJ working, music videos and advertising via the high-speed AIS data network, instead of just listening to the programme.

AIS estimates 4 million of its 24 million subscribers own Real Player-equipped mobile phones.

Vilasinee Chaivanond, managing director of Plus5, the co-operator of the newly launched 99.5 Advance Radio, said radio TV live broadcasting differentiated this station from others. It would also enable the station to attract more advertising, given that the audience can both listen to and watch commercials, unlike conventional radio stations.

When asked if customers would be willing to pay to watch the radio station via its high-speed network, Somchai said it would depend on the content. For example, the station could attract an audience by interviewing foreign superstars live.

AIS charges Bt1 per minute for accessing content via its nationwide high-speed network. Customers can opt to pay for the network service on a monthly basis for a certain period or an unlimited period of use.

Somchai estimated the market value of non-voice services this year would be Bt20 billion. The company has set a target to secure half of the the total market value. AIS has continued launching new services on its high-speed network, despite the fact the 3G broadband spectrum is not yet available.

The 3G spectrum will enable cellular operators to offer bandwidth-hungry content such as video streaming at a faster speed.

Sirivish Toomgum

The Nation