Jasmine Internet Co., Ltd. launched its new company and Internet-based service called “Ji NET” formerly known as Info News ready to offer the market with all solutions of Internet-based services of high quality at competitive price. Highly confident in its strengthness on information technology and Internet foundation, Jasmine Internet positions itself as fully integrated Internet Protocal network developer, differentiating from other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide the complete range of communications services including Virtual Private Networks, Voice and Fax Over IP, and basic Internet access. The Company will synergy all telecommunication infrastructure network under Jasmine International Group, including 1.5 million fixed-line telephones in 72 provinces by Thai Telephone & Telecommunication (TT&T), domestic satellite network (VSAT) by Acumen, high speed data communication network or Non-POTs by Smart Highway and submarine fiber optic cable network by Jasmine Submarine Telecommunications.

Mr. Somsak Pattana-anek, Executive Director of Jasmine Internet Co., Ltd. disclosed that the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) now approved Jasmine International PCL’s purchase of 65% shares in Info Access Co., Ltd., and CAT and CAT’s staff holds 32% and 3% of shares respectively. Jasmine Internet has planned to utilise its engineering and IT expertise and telecom network resources to build Internet access network at its highest accessibility and capability. At present, Jasmine International PCL holds 25% shares in Internet Knowledge Service Center Co., Ltd. (Internet KSC), an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and plans to maintain its shareholding at the investment amount. Internet business of the two firms are separately operated.

Mr. Somsak Pattana-anek revealed that “Ji NET” policy and marketing strategy to focus on both corporates and individual users providing the markets with fully integrated packages including leased line, Virtual Private Networks, electronic commerces, Internet access and introducing “Ji NET” starter kits aimed at individual users. Apart from educational institutes, small and medium sized enterprises (SME) has a highly increasing potential growth for Internet use. In the future, the Company aims to become content provider to increase its added values for clients using Internet services.

Jasmine Internet has planned to increase its international links to 8 Mbps by the end of this year, upgrade upto 16 Mbps within early next year and aim to increase upto 45 Mbps within year 2000. Another 2,500 telephone lines will be added to the existing 600 lines. The Company plans to offer Internet services in 15 major provinces with in November this year including Chiengmai, Pitsanulok, Surat Thani, Nakorn Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Supanburi, Chonburi, Hatyai, Ayudhaya, Phuket, Prachuab Kirikhan, Nakorn Prathom, Ubon Ratchathani and Trung. Jasmine Internet has the capacity to expand at the mininum 50 upcountry branches within the year 2000 according to existing wide network throughout 72 provinces owned by the Jasmine Group which is considered to be competitive edge over other ISPs. To ensure its highest efficiency and quality of the services, the Company invests and operates all branches themselves. In addition, the Company plans to promote electronic commerce services integrated with value added services operated on high speed data transmision network (Non POTs) is set to provide the services for users.

During launching period, the Company introduces an Internet Starter Kits with competitive price 13 baht for an hour with all through the day (24 hours). The package starts at 325 baht for 15 hours of usage, 495 baht for 25 hours, 695 baht for 40 hours an 945 baht for 60 hours of usage and all packages plus 10 hours free during introduction period. “Ji NET” starter kits will be sold through more than 300 distribution channels like hardware shops for example Pantip Plaza, IT Mall in Fortune Town, IT Market in Seacon Square, bookstores, Jasmine Smart Shop, PowerBuy and retail shops.