Jastel plans submarine cable network

JasTel, a subsidiary of Jasmine International, has joined hands with local telecom and network operators to invest Bt2 billion for laying down a submarine-cable network. The aim is to transform Thailand into an alternative hub of Asia in the next couple of years.

JasTel Network general manger Somchai Treerattananukool said the company has invited local telecom and network operators to set up a mini consortium to build a submarin-cable network that will connect Thailand to global carriers.

He said the company expects to spend about two years for the development of the new network, which will provide high-speed broadband Internet, and 3G and WiMax technologies to the country.

"Thailand's international bandwidth is about 30 Gbps and is expected to increase to 100 Gbps by 2011 with the advent of high-speed broadband Internet, 3G and WiMax services," Somchai said.

The company is also developing three, new cable-landing stations to develop the country into an international networking hub for the IndoChina region connecting to Laos, Burma, Vietnam and South China.

"We will provide an international gateway and telecommunication services via land and submarine cables to serve the rapidly growing market. We guarantee the provision of high-quality services and the latest technologies at a reasonable price," the general manager said.

He said industry liberalisation has dramatically pushed demand for bandwidth, both domestic and international, which is driving market growth.

The company caters to international corporations through global network operators in countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the United States.

It also offers services to multinational corporations, such as financial companies, news and media agencies, consulates and manufacturers in Thailand.

He said the company's services cover five main areas - International Private Leased Circuits, global IP transit, global IP-VPN, managed network services and co-locate data centres.

"JasTel aims to help Thailand's telecommunication industry become as strong as its neighbours', Malaysia and Singapore. I envision that telecom and network operators will build a global cable network of about 200,000 kilometers in the near future," Somchai said.

The company expects to reach generate revenues of Bt450 million this year, he said.

"The international-bandwidth market has grown up to two times. It now has a market value of about Bt10 billion a year," Somchai said.

 New technologies and services, such as 3G, WiMax and broadband will further drive the market growth," he said