The telecom regulator has proposed the military junta set up a national committee for digital communications reform that will ensure cooperation among state agencies and eliminate legal loopholes related to telecommunications, broadcasting and information technology.
A reform committee would be responsible for clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various state agencies that deal with digital communications and IT, such as spectrum arrangement, satellites, computer crimes or provocative content.
Many legal practices have hindered the development of the country's telecommunications and broadcasting as well as discouraged real industrial development, said ACM Thares Punsri, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
As the convergence of telecom and broadcasting regimes have gained momentum, the laws and regulations should be clear and keep up with technological changes. Different state agencies have different regulations, leading to inconsistent and impractical practices.
"A national digital communications reform committee is no less important than the energy reform committee because it will affect the macro-economy and human life," he said.
Thailand has complicated rules and conditions for satellite service providers, said ACM Thares. A satellite service provider needs to get approval from the telecom regulator before operating, while the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry works with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to arrange orbital slots in space for a satellite operator to prepare a satellite launch. But the ICT Ministry can start the procedure with ITU to reserve an orbital position when assigned by the cabinet.
In addition, there are several agencies responsible for governing improper and provocative media content, but they are inefficient because this content is still aired on internet TV, satellite TV, free downloads and mobile TV, he said.
ACM Thares said the NBTC faces a complex situation when it recalls the unused spectrum or spectrum after concessions expire for reallocation. Several national security agencies must reserve some spectrum ranges for their specific purposes, while state telecom enterprises that own concessions have asked to keep the spectrum for another 15 years to help their ailing financial status.
"It's time to start considering how to arrange spectrum under a harmonised road map for the country," he said.
The NBTC submitted its proposal last week asking the junta to set a national reform committee for digital communications and IT. If the junta agrees, it may take two years to sort out the details and procedures.
The committee would have representatives from all related agencies including the telecom regulator, the ICT Ministry, the Education Ministry, the army, the police, academics and research institutes. It could be funded by NBTC revenue, including licensing and auction fees.
Last month, the NBTC board acknowledged the army and national security agencies agreed to return some telecom spectra ranging from 790-960 megahertz and 1710-1880 MHz. The returned frequency will happen over the next five years.