Thai operator True Corp plans to launch 4G services in the 2.1GHz spectrum in Bangkok in April, before even launching 3G services, according to local reports.

The operator is hoping to steal a march on its rivals, which are expected to debut 3G services on the same spectrum in the same month.

A True Corp source told Thai newspaper The National that the company had already ordered imported 4G network equipment and plans to launch the LTE service in a few commercial areas in Bangkok. The operator has a technology-neutral licence and can utilise any technology on the band.

In October last year, Thailand’s telecoms regulator auctioned the 2.1GHz spectrum and licences were awarded to operators AIS, DTAC and True Corp. The auction netted the government Bt41.7bn ($1.36bn).

True Corp and DTAC reportedly have enough bandwidth to offer 4G service in some areas, while AIS recently said it needs more spectrum bandwidth to serve its future business plan.

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