Courtesy Dialogue with Chairman, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)
 

Members of the ICT Working Group, jointly with JFCCT ICT, met with the chairman of the NBTC on 9 December 2015.

The ICT Vice Chair congratulated the Chairman on the positive outcomes of the recent 1800 MHz (LTE) spectrum auction, but also raised the issue of telecoms industry reform, the role of SOEs in the sector and the outcomes in terms of benefits for the SOEs.  The ICT Working Group also noted their support for the NBTC’s aims and aspirations to achieve an industry where all commercial operators are licensed directly by the NBTC and all commercial spectrum is allocated by auction.  The NBTC status as an independent agency was also commendable and considered to be most important for investor confidence. Other topics discussed included dimensions of independence of the NBTC, industry structural issues including support for network and operational security and the importance of keeping national security separate from network ownership and operation. The trusted internet was discussed, as were future spectrum auctions and national spectrum planning. Foreign investment was included as an important topic. The NBTC Chairman agreed with the ICT Working Group’s offer to hold some joint working sessions on relevant topics and to input further to relevant legislation.

The ICT Working Group is most grateful to the NBTC Chairman for his time and insights provided.

Photo from left to right:  Mr Chalermchai Kokkeadtikul (Executive Director, Chairman’s office), Gen. Chitsak Prasert (Advisor to Chairman),  Mr Worapat Patram,  Mr Bob Fox (ICT WG Vice Chair and Chair, JFCCT ICT group),  ACM Thares Punsri (Chairman NBTC),  Mr Gregory Thomas (Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association),  ACM Kanit Suwannate (Secretary to the Chairman NBTC), Mr Bunyati Kirdniyom (Swedish Chamber).   Also present was Ms Wanlapa Yamapai (JFCCT office)