A single flat rate for international mobile roaming between Thailand and Cambodia is planned for early next year after an agreement was signed by telecom regulators from both countries.
The pact between the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia is aimed at boosting cross-border trade, investment and tourism.
The deal also covers a collaboration to minimise frequency interference between Thai and Cambodian mobile operators and promote cross-border frequency coordination.
NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said a joint committee would be set up to encourage greater cooperation between the telecommunications industries in both countries.
The NBTC hopes to enter into similar joint agreements with other Asean telecom regulators as part of a bid to promote Thailand as a regional ICT hub, Mr Takorn said.
Telecom frequency interference in border areas has been a chronic problem for years and is by no means limited to the Cambodian border -- comparable disruptions occur near Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia.
"Proper management measures for cross-border frequency use could ease concerns over data roaming overcharges," Mr Takorn said.
In June, the NBTC joined hands with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to host a workshop on cross-border frequency coordination for the first time.
The Bangkok event brought together regulators from Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Cambodia.
To address problems, the NBTC asked the ITU for suggestions on creating a framework that would set standards for cross-border frequency use.
The Thai regulator is operating under the telecommunications master plan for 2012-16, a blueprint to enhance readiness for the upcoming Asean Economic Community.
The NBTC is also a member of the Asean Telecommunication Regulators' Council.
Mr Takorn named radio interference in the 850-megahertz spectrum range as the most persistent problem in border areas, particularly near Laos and Malaysia.