Thailand's AIS has contracted Alcatel-Lucent to deploy a 100G optical transport network to help meet growing demand for data capacity in the region.
The project will upgrade AIS' 10G optical network to 100G, and pave the way for a further upgrade to 200G in the future.
AlS revealed it will deploy Alcatel-Lucent's PSS optical platform, combining it with elements of its existing 10G network.
Demand for high-speed internet access in Thailand is doubling year-on-year, due to improving smartphone penetration and the influence of the tourism industry.
This is prompting the need for a capacity upgrade, according to AIS SVP of operations Weerawat Kiattipongthaworn.
“Our customers are accessing more video on their smartphones all the time,” he said. “AIS has selected Alcatel-Lucent as a new DWDM vendor in our network as they managed to bring together a business proposal composed of the best products, the best prices and the best people”
With the deal Alcatel-Lucent has become AIS' second DWDM vendor. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.