By Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn

Jasmine International PLC., the parent of the provincial fixed-line telephone provider TT&T, has set its sightgs on the rich potential of broadband triple-play services.

“Triple play" is the industry buzzword for technology that enables users to watch Internet-based TV, order real-time video-on-demand over broadband Internet, and make telephone calls simultaneously. It is also seen as having a potentially negative impact on current pay-TV businesses.

Director Somboon Patcharasopak said that a Jasmine subsidiary, Acumen Co.,Ltd., would apply for Voice-over-Internet Protocol and international gateway licences to provide Internet services on its own gateways, with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

TT&T has been designated to provide the triple-play services since the company has its own network facilities.

Acumen has a type-1 operating licence to provide services such as Internet access, supplementary mobile-phone services and international calling cards.

“We will file licensing applications with the commission once the terms and conditions become clear,” Mr.Somboon said. “More than 100 million baht would be required to build backbone facilities, targeting high-density residential areas.”

TT&T earlier announced plans to invest up to two billion baht in broadband infrastructure over 18 months as part of a shift to wireless multimedia services.

Mr.Somboon said jasmine’s Internet business posted almost double growth in 2005, representing about 10% of the company’s total revenue, thanks to nore internet users and demand for computers.

“The growth figure is expected to double this year, fuelled by the increasing focus of local operators such as TOT Plc, CAT Telecom and True Corporation,” he said.

TT&T, meanwhile, projects its Internet revenues will surge to one billion baht this year, up from 100 million in 2005.

Subhoj Sunyabhisithkul, president of system integrator subsidiary jasmine Telecom Systems Plc, said broadband had given new hope for fixed-line operators to compete with mobile operators. This is due to the unlimited capacity of copper lines, where mobile operators’ bandwidth frequencies had in adequate capacity.

Fibre-optics will also offer significantly higher bandwidth than other media, boasting speeds of 155 megabytes per second and able to carry huge amounts of voice, data and multimedia content.

Mr.Subhoj said that triple-play services were expected to help offset declining fixed line telephone earnings amid intense competition from mobile operators.