Sunday, January 24, 2010

TRUE GROUP UNVEILS BUSINESS DIRECTIONS FOR 2010

CONVERGENCE, INNOVATION LEADERSHIP AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT MOBILE INTERNET ON 3G


True Corporation Plc has unveiled its business directions for 2010, placing emphasis on furthering the Group’s convergence strategy, innovation leadership and network quality. Increased investment in TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet services will target nationwide coverage. TrueMove’s mobile network will be enhanced to support greater data and voice demand while content development will support mobile Internet growth driven by 3G. Meanwhile, the Group will maintain its innovation leadership through the launch of high-definition channels at TrueVisions.

In 2009, True Group’s core businesses, which include TrueOnline, TrueMove and TrueVisions, progressed in many areas. Over the first nine months of 2009 TrueMove performed well with growth in non-voice services, a recovery in International Roaming (IR) and continuing success in managing and controlling Interconnection (IC) payments. Meanwhile TrueMove subscriber numbers grew to 15.4 million at the end of Q309. Service revenue continued to increase for TrueOnline’s Broadband service while the subscriber base rose to 665,000. True was also able to provide increased international bandwidth at lower costs. As for TrueVisions, its subscriber base grew to 1.64 million and in October 2009 the company was given the green light from the MCOT to commence paid advertising. This will generate increased content and variety for viewers while gradually developing into an important new revenue stream.

Mr. Suphachai Chearavonont, President & CEO of True Corporation Plc said, “In 2010 True Group will maintain its leadership in core businesses, stressing innovation as well as developing the quality of our networks and services. The coverage of TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet will be expanded nationwide to meet the demand for hi-speed Internet in Bangkok and key provinces. This will provide improved access to news and information and allow subscribers to perform online transactions easier. We will expand TrueMove’s voice and data network to support fast growing demand and also focus on content development to support mobile Internet usage on both the 850 MHz and 2.1 GHz 3G frequencies. For TrueVisions, we plan to add more programs and channels to serve every customer group and lifestyle. Meanwhile, the launch of high-definition channels will increase the viewing experience for subscribers.

“True Group will continue to pursue its convergence strategy. By offering innovative products and new services we will create added convenience and value for our customers,” Mr. Suphachai concluded.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

TNT supports PDA project with book donation and delivery

TNT Express Worldwide (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading provider of integrated express services from the Netherlands has announced its latest CSR initiative as part of its philosophy of providing practical support with recognizable and sustainable community benefits.


At today's press conference held at the PDA (The Population and Community Development Association) linked Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok, the donation of some 6,000 educational English language books to the PDA's rural educational development endeavor was officially announced. Scheduled to take place on 12 February 2010, the donation will be marked with a delivery of books by TNT vehicles to Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram province.

Alan Miu, Managing Director of TNT Thailand said, "TNT Thailand is especially honoured to have been given the opportunity to support the PDA, Thailand's largest NGO and chaired by the now legendary Mechai Viravaidya. The venue for today's announcement regarding TNT's donation to the Associations' endeavor to develop rural education is not only very agreeable, it reminds us all of the importance of the original inspiration for the founding of the PDA whose community work now encompasses so much more, but which is always based on education and partnership.

"For the past many years TNT has implemented a strong CSR programme exemplified at the global level for example with a longstanding partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). Here in Thailand, we were able to use our logistics expertise effectively to help the victims of the 2004 tsunami, worked with the Royal Thai Army to deliver food and drinking water to the victims of the 2008 Nargis cyclone in Myanmar and later to implement a whole series of practical initiatives that reflect TNT's belief that healthy children become healthy, productive citizens to the benefit of all. Supporting the PDA's Community Library project provides TNT Thailand with an admirable opportunity to continue to contribute to the country's future."

In his comments at the press conference Mechai said, "Since it was founded in 1974 the PDA has extended its activities considerably from addressing immediate family planning needs. Today, PDA is the leading and most diversified NGO in Thailand with 18 regional development centres and branch offices with a strong emphasis on poverty eradication in rural areas. With support from partners, PDA established Lamplaimat Pattana Primary and Secondary Schools to become a model school that offers high quality education to children from poor families for free. The school has been domestically and internationally recognized from its revolutionary, world-class standard curriculum.

The donation of books will support PDA's endeavor to develop rural education. Lamplaimat Pattana School will help distribute the books to schools and villages in Lamplaimat district. The books will be a part of the Village Toy Library program that PDA has started since last year to promote philanthropic mindset in children.

"TNT's generous donation of educational books to the PDA Community Library project is not only most welcome, it also represents PDA's own philosophy of providing practical support in a way which requires involvement by those who are to benefit."