In a landmark deal for the Asian broadcast sector, Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand's leading telecommunications provider, has partnered with Ericsson to deploy cutting-edge 5G-enabled studio production infrastructure. This initiative, announced today, aims to revolutionize live broadcasting workflows for Thai national broadcaster NBT and regional partners by integrating high-bandwidth 5G networks directly into studio environments.

The project falls under the **Studio Production** category and involves the installation of Ericsson's 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment tailored for broadcast applications. Key features include ultra-low latency transmission for remote production, enabling real-time collaboration between on-site crews and central control rooms. This addresses longstanding challenges in traditional HD-SDI workflows, which suffer from high cable costs and limited scalability. By shifting to IP-based 5G transport, AIS expects to reduce operational expenses by up to 40% while supporting 4K and 8K resolutions seamlessly.

Ericsson's solution incorporates Cloud RAN architecture, allowing dynamic allocation of spectrum resources during peak events like live sports or national ceremonies. For OEM executives and system integrators, this means new opportunities in hybrid fiber-5G interconnects, with standardized SMPTE ST 2110 compliance ensuring interoperability with existing gear from vendors like Grass Valley and EVS. AIS plans to roll out the first phase in Bangkok by Q3 2026, with expansion to secondary cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket.

This partnership underscores Thailand's push towards digital transformation in broadcasting, aligning with government mandates for 5G spectrum allocation in media applications. Industry analysts note that similar deployments in Japan and South Korea have boosted content delivery efficiency, and AIS's move positions Thailand as a Southeast Asian hub for 5G broadcast innovation. For R&D teams, the integration of AI-driven automation in camera tracking and audio mixing promises enhanced **Studio and Playout Automation** capabilities, reducing crew sizes without compromising quality.

Supply chain implications are significant, with local manufacturing of 5G small cells ramped up through Ericsson's Thailand facility, supporting ASEAN content localization efforts. Broadcasters attending the upcoming BroadcastAsia 2026 will likely see demos of this tech, highlighting its role in **Systems Integration**. The deal also includes advanced **Test and Measurement** tools from Rohde & Schwarz to validate signal integrity across the 5G-IP pipeline.

Looking ahead, AIS is exploring extensions into **Outside Broadcast OB Trucks**, retrofitting mobile units with 5G backhaul for nationwide coverage. This comprehensive upgrade not only future-proofs AIS's infrastructure but also opens revenue streams through managed services for third-party broadcasters. Executive-level developments include key hires from Ericsson's APAC division to lead the project, signaling long-term commitment. For technology vendors, this creates a blueprint for similar deals in Indonesia and Vietnam, where 5G rollout lags but broadcast demand surges.

Regulatory support from Thailand's NBTC ensures prioritized spectrum for media, mitigating interference risks in dense urban areas. Overall, this investment catalyzes a wave of **Transmission and Distribution** advancements, empowering B2B stakeholders to deliver immersive experiences amid rising competition from OTT platforms. The partnership exemplifies how telco-broadcaster alliances drive innovation in Asia's media ecosystem.