Thailand’s National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will spend 10 million baht on consultants who will recommend a licensing framework for new telecommunications services.

No new licenses have been issued in over four years due to the regulatory problems in Thailand until the formation of the NTC late in 2004.

Rianchai Reowilaisook, a director of the NTC, said the consultants would look at licensing as it pertains to telecom services, such as the Internet, that don’t rely on specific networks; services with networks such as wired and wireless telephony; and the licensing of specialised services.

In the initial stage, the NTC could issue licenses for both TOT Corporation and CAT Telecom by July because of their qualifications and records of accomplishment. The licenses would cover both fixed and mobile phone services. In addition, the NTC is prepared to issue provisional licenses to Internet service providers whose licenses are due to expire soon so that they could continue operations.

NTC chair, Gen Chitsak Prasert, said the regulator is preparing a master plan for the telecom sector and will hold public hearings to elicit ideas from operators, state agencies and consumers.

Intelecon Research & Consultancy Ltd. 18/01/2005
Source: Knight Ridder Tribune Business News