PPIAF-Thailand Rural Telecom Strategy

World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study
Thailand Rural Broadband Infrastructure Policy Project
Final Report
By Local Consultant
With Funding Support From

The Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility
April 2011
Final Report By Local Consultant
Contents
1. Executive summary 1
2. Introduction 1
3. Literature Review 2
3.1 Thailand Macro-economic Factors.. 2
3.2 Overview of broadband in Thailand (Source: NTC). 3
3.2.1 Definition of broadband... 3
3.2.2 Regulatory framework for broadband services.... 3
3.2.3 Licensing regime 3
3.2.4 Wholesale broadband regulations 7
3.2.5 Rights of way 8
3.3 Broadband technologies in use in Thailand (Source: NTC).. 9
3.3.1 Fixed broadband services.. 9
3.3.2 Wireless broadband services.... 9
3.4 Internet and telephone coverage and usage in Thailand.. 10
3.4.1 Fiber optic network... 10
3.4.2 Mobile phone coverage 10
3.4.3 Fixed telephone coverage.. 10
3.4.4 High-speed Internet signal coverage 10
3.4.5 Telephone and Internet Users Behavior. 11
3.5 Market shares information.. 12
3.5.1 Thai broadband market 12
3.5.2 Mobile Services Market. 13
3.5.3 Internet Market 14
3.6 Institutional structures 16

3.7 NTC-3G licensing process and roll-out requirements and eligibility 19

criteria for licensees..
3.8 Radio frequency that can be used for 3G or WiMAX .. 20
3.9 Current situation and trend of 3G in Thailand... 21
3.10 Policy and plans of government in rural broadband development. 23
3.10.1 National Broadband Policy (Drafted version). 23
3.10.2 List of all relevant master plans and policies. 26
4. Methodology. 27
4.1 Scope of Work. 27
4.1.1 Objective of the project. 27
4.1.2 Tasks under local consultant. 27
4.2 Process. 28
4.3 Responsibility for workshop.. 32
4.4 Time line by Local Consultant 33
5. Interview. 34
5.1 Schedule during 30 August-3 September 2010 34
6. Framework for the study of Broadband Development in Rural Area on Local 36
Consultant.
7. Major Stakeholders in Thailand Telecommunication. 37
7.1 Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT). 37
7.1.1 Background. 37
7.1.2 Research Projects of the Ministry of Information and 38
Communication Technology..
7.2 CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (CAT) 49
7.2.2 Basic information on the of Broadband services.. 49

7.2.3 Plans and projects for Broadband Development... 51

7.2.4 Direction of Broadband Development.. 53
7.3 TOT Public Company Limited (TOT). 54
7.3.2 Basic information on the services of Broadband.. 55
7.3.3 Policy on Broadband Development.. 59
7.3.4 Plans and projects for Broadband Development.. 59
7.3.5 Direction of Broadband Development.. 59
7.4 National telecommunication commission of Thailand (NTC) 60
7.4.1 Policy and Duties .. 60
7.4.2 Plans and projects of Broadband Development 62
7.4.3 Direction on Broadband Development. 63
7.4.4 Challenging issue.. 63
7.5 Ministry of Public Health (MOH). 64
7.5.1 Scope of operations... 64
7.5.2 Structure of Health Data Flows... 66
7.5.3 Policy on Broadband Development... 67
7.5.4 Computer Network in Ministry of Public Health. 67
7.5.5 Plans and projects on Broadband Development... 70
7.6 Ministry of Education (MOE)... 73
7.6.1 Policy on Broadband Development... 73
7.6.2 Computer Network in Ministry of Education... 73
7.6.3 Plans and projects on Broadband Development... 74

7.7 National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) 77

7.7.1 Background.. 77
7.8 Private sector.. 81
7.8.1 Advanced info service public company limited (AIS)... 81
7.8.2 True corporation public company limited (TRUE). 81
7.8.3 Non Governmental organization (NGO) 84
8. Stakeholder Analysis and Background Information Status Broadband 85
Development in Rural Area
8.1 Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT). 85
8.2 CAT Telecom Public Company Limited... 86
8.3 TOT Public Company Limited. 87
8.4 National telecommunication commission of Thailand 87
8.5 Ministry of Public Health (MOH). 87
8.6 Ministry of Education (MOE)... 88
8.7 Private sector (AIS /TRUE)... 88
8.8 Non Governmental Organization... 89
8.9 Conclusion... 90
9. Comment for Workshop. 91

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1. Executive summary
The objective of Thailand rural broadband infrastructure policy project
This consultancy is part of a broader activity which has the objective of assisting the
Thailand MICT in preparing a rural broadband development strategy that involves (a) taking
stock of the deployment of broadband networks in rural areas, including in particular access by
priority groups such as medical clinics and schools; (b) identifying relevant examples of
approaches to rural broadband deployment and access from international experience,
including successful innovative approaches to promote efficient private sector participation in
the effective promotion of rural broadband development; and (c) developing concepts for
programming and/or policy initiatives for Thailand. The objective of this consultancy is to
contribute to the overall project on Thailand Rural Broadband Infrastructure Development by
providing expert knowledge on relevant Thailand-specific factors.
The Local Consultant therefore provides information such as Thailand institutional factors
(MICT, TOT, CAT, NTC etc.), rural broadband development opportunities and description of
how broadband is currently provided in rural areas of Thailand by region, by operator, and by
technology as well as views on the future broadband market structure in Thailand, problem of
broadband by allocation of spectrum, establishment of National Broadcasting and
Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) and stock of current access to ICT in rural areas of
Thailand in this report. This report has to support the World Bank/MICT study on strategic
options for development of rural broadband policy for Thailand
2. Introduction
This document is intended to serve as the report for the World Bank, The purpose of this
report is overview of Thailand Macro-economic Factors (Heading 3.1), Broadband in Thailand
(Heading 3.2), Broadband technologies in use in Thailand (Heading 3.3), Internet and
telephone coverage and usage in Thailand (Heading 3.4) and Market shares information
(Heading 3.5). In addition, this report should provide institutional structures of the
telecommunications in Thailand (Heading 3.6), NTC-3G licensing process and roll-out
requirements and eligibility criteria for licensees (Heading 3.7), Radio frequency that can be
used for 3G or WiMAX (Heading 3.8), current situation and trend of 3G in Thailand (Heading
3.9), policy and plans of Thai government in rural broadband development (Heading 3.10) and
major stakeholders in Thailand telecommunication (MICT, CAT, TOT, NTC, etc.)
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3. Literature Review
3.1 Thailand Macro-economic Factors
Thailand had an estimated population of 62.9 million as at January 2009, dispersed
over an area of approximately 514,000 sq km. The country is divided into 75 provinces, plus
Bangkok (a special governed district) which are geographically grouped into five regions.
Bangkok, with a population of around 5.7 million, is the largest city and also the national
centre of politics, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.
Thailand has experienced growing urbanization in recent years, with the urban
population growing from 31% of the total population in 2000 to the current 33%. Despite this
trend the majority of the Thai population still lives in rural towns with less than 10,000 people.
The population density in Thailand is only greater than 500 people per km2 in the districts in
and around Bangkok and in a few larger cities and concentrated island communities.
Additionally, the majority of people living in these areas of low population density are
farmers with incomes reliant upon subsistence agriculture. The provinces with higher levels of
wealth, as measured using gross provincial product (GPP), tend to be the areas in and around
larger towns and cities.
The combination of relatively high deployment costs (due to low population density)
and relative inability of end-users to afford services means that telecoms network investment is
uneconomical in many rural areas of Thailand.
Thailand has an organized education system comprising of kindergartens, primary
and secondary schools and numerous vocational colleges and universities. Education is
compulsory up to and including Grade 9, and the government provides free education though
to Grade 12. As a result, 92.6% of the population is literate. This high literacy rate forms an
important base for enabling information communications technology (ICT) literacy in the future.
Most of the current student generation is computer literate, although figures from the World
Bank estimate that, in 2007, there were only 7 personal computers in use per 100 people
which will act as a brake on potential broadband household penetration.
From 2002-2004, Thailands economy was one of East Asias best performers with
an average of 6% annual GDP growth in real terms. However, this slowed to 4.9% in 2007
and 3.6% in 2008, resulting from the effects of the worldwide economic slowdown. Thailands
GDP ended 2008 at USD273 billion (THB9090 billion), equivalent to around USD4300
(THB143 176) per capita.
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In the first quarter of 2010, the GDP expanded 12% on the same period last year,
the highest quarterly growth rate in 15 years since the second quarter of 1995 when the
growth rate was 12.3%.
In the first quarter of 2010, exports grew by a robust 16.2% year on year and imports
expanded by 31.4% year on year. Overall net exports detracted 2.4 percentage points from
growth following a 7% contribution in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has maintained the
2010 economic growth forecast at 3.5% to 4.5%, that if without the riot, the gross domestic
product (GDP) could expand 6% to 7% this year.
3.2 Overview of broadband in Thailand (Source: NTC)
3.2.1 Definition of broadband
There is no single agreed definition for broadband in terms of the
technology or data speeds offered, though there is a general consensus that broadband refers
to high-speed communications that are continuously available.
In the context of NTC, broadband refers to a data service supporting at least
2Mbit/s downstream and 384kbit/s upstream. This definition of broadband is consistent with
the universal service commitment set out in the Digital Britain report.
3.2.2 Regulatory framework for broadband services
Thailands constitutional mandate stipulates that national telecommunication
infrastructure providers are to be owned by the state. As such, TOT was established in 1954
to provide domestic telephony services and CAT was established in 1976 to provide
international telephony services, postal services and other non-voice telecom services. Both
organizations initially held a pure monopoly in the provision of national and international
telecoms services respectively.
3.2.3 Licensing regime
In an effort to reform the telecommunication system and allow participation
by the private sector, Thailand introduced a unique Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model in the
late 1980s. This allowed private-sector service providers to offer services, but only under the
terms of a BTO concession arrangement with the government. This required private-sector
service providers to share revenue with state-owned telecoms organizations. TOT has entered
into 11 such concession arrangements and CAT holds 10.
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As a result of this partial liberalization, the private-sector telecoms industry

in Thailand saw substantial growth during the 1990s in the areas of fixed-line telephony,
mobile telephony, and internet services.
In January 2006, the NTC implemented a new licensing regime, issuing
three different categories of license to privately-owned telecoms companies:
- Type 1 licenses (renewable annually) allow companies to provide
telecommunications services that are deemed to be fully liberalized
without owning any infrastructure.
- Type 2 licenses are granted to telecoms companies that provide
services intended for a limited group of people, or services with no
significant impact on free and fair competition or on public interest and
consumers. These licenses can be awarded to service providers that
operate with or without their own networks.
- Type 3 licenses cover the construction, maintenance and operation of
networks that are intended to offer services to the general public, or
services which may cause a significant impact on free and fair
competition or on public interest, or services which requires special
consumer protection. In addition, list of all the Type 3 license holders
as follow
License number and Date

No. The application of licenses Service End time permits
of issue
1 TOT public company limited Network Provider & 3/001/48. 4 August 2005 3 August 2025
Service Provider
2 CAT Telecom Public Company Network Provider & 3/48/002 4 August 2005 3 August 2025
Limited (Thailand). Service Provider
3 AIN Global Communications Network Provider & 3/49/002 26 Jul 2006 25 July 2026
Company Limited (AIS Service Provider
International Net Works, Ltd.)
4 True convergence Universal Network Provider & 3/49/003 7 December 2026
Alliance Limited. Service Provider 8 December 2006
5 True International Network Provider & 3/50/001 25 Jan 2007 24 January 2027
Communication Company Service Provider
Limited.
6 DTAC network Company Network Provider & 3/50/002 6 February 2007 5 February 2027
limited. Service Provider
5
License number and Date

No. The application of licenses Service End time permits
of issue
7 Metropolitan Electricity Network Provider & 3/49/004 27 December
Authority Service Provider 28 December 2006 2026
8 Provincial Electricity Authority Network Provider & 3/50/003 28 February 2027
Service Provider 1 March 2007
9 Electricity Generating Authority Network Provider & 3/50/004 14 March 2027
of Thailand Service Provider 15 March 2007
10 Win Win Net Corporation Co., Network Provider & 3/50/005 10 June 2027
Ltd. Service Provider 11 June 2007
11 Super Broadband Network Network Provider & 3/50/006 15 August 2027
Company Limited. Service Provider 16 August 2007.
12 Loxley Wireless Co., Ltd.. Network Provider & 3/51/001 5 February 2028
Service Provider 6 February 2008
13 Triple T Global Net Co., Ltd. Network Provider & 3/50/007 21 November
Service Provider 22 November 2007. 2027
14 C.S Lox info plc. Network Provider & 3/50/008 19 December
Service Provider 20 December 2007. 2027
15 Advanced Wireless Network Network Provider & 3/51/003 11 June 2028
Works Limited. Service Provider 12 June 2008
16 Samut Prakan Media Network Provider & 3/52/001 22 October 2029
Corporation company. Service Provider 23 September 2009
17 Triple T Broadband Public Fixed line services. 3/49/001 22 February 2026
Company Limited. 23 February 2006
18 True Internet Gateway Co., Private rental 3/52/002 10 November
Ltd. services between 11 Nov 2009 2029
different countries.
19 jastel Network Limited. Private rental 3/52/003 17 November
services between 18 November 2009 2029
different countries
20 Millcom Systems Company Internet. NTC/MM/INT/III/001/2549 18 July 2018
Limited. 19 May 2008
21 Super high-speed Internet Internet. NTC/MM/INT/III/001/2009 7 April 2019
Limited. 8 January 2009
22 Sawasdee Shop Company Internet. NTC/MM/INT/III/001/2550 19 December
Limited. 20 December 2007. 2017
[Source: NTC]
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By June 2009 the NTC had issued a total of over 100 Internet service
licenses. TT&T and True Corp have taken advantage of this new regime to reduce their
revenue-sharing obligations to TOT under the terms of their respective BTO agreements. In
June 2006, TTTB became the first privately-owned Thai operator to be granted a Type 3
license to operate a fixed network. The 20-year nationwide concession enables TTTB to offer
a full range of voice, Internet and data services.
International Internet gateway (IIG) licenses were also awarded to True
Internet Gateway (a True Corp subsidiary), Advanced Datanetwork Communication (ADC, a
joint venture of AIS and TOT) and CS Loxinfo in 2006, ending CATs monopoly on the
international connectivity market. These five-year IIG awards allow the leasing of international
bandwidth from foreign operators to provide services to local ISPs. However, CAT still retains
ownership of all of the international cable landing stations. In addition, List of all International
Internet Gateways operators in Thailand as follow
Code Name Operator

IIG-CAT International Internet Gateway CAT Telecom
IIG-TOT International Internet Gateway TOT
TIG-IIG True International Internet Gateway True Internet
TTGN- TT&T Thailand Global Network TT&T
IIG Gateway
IIG-ADC ADC International Internet Gateway Advance Datanetwork
Communications
CSL-IIG CS Loxinfo International Gateway CS Loxinfo
SBN-IIG International Internet Gateway Super Broadband Network
From the above table. All operators have created their own networks by
True Internet, TT & T, Advance Datanetwork Communications, CS Loxinfo and Super
Broadband Network has been wiring fiber itself. The level of access. International. Connected
to Malaysia, while the CAT project has connected the cable under the water by themselves in
a manner that made CAT TOT there has been a monopoly for this project as well.
True Corporation and Shin Corporation were granted Type II International
Internet Gateway and Internet Exchange Service License from the NTC (National
Telecommunication Committee) in 2005. CAT Telecom holds the largest share of the market.
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The fiber optic network between Thailand, were the main routes, including
Route 7.
Satun-Malaysia (TOT)
Patani-Malaysia (TOT)
ACPN (Via Phetchaburi
Province.)
SEA-ME-WE3 (From Satun)
SEA-ME-WE4 (From Satun)
FLAG (From Satun)
FLAG (From Songkhla)
Total 110 Gbps
3.2.4 Wholesale broadband regulations

These moves to liberalize the market have helped to increase competition
and reduce end-user prices, but there are still some key regulatory issues that are yet to be
resolved, in particular around the regulation of broadband services. Wholesale DSL and local
loop unbundling (LLU) are not yet mandated by the regulator, although their implementation is
planned.
At present, there are three key areas of broadband interconnection that are
monitored by the NTC:
- interconnect with local access broadband networks (e.g. LLU and
wholesale DSL)
- interconnect with core broadband networks for backhaul products (e.g.
dark fibre and leased lines)
- interconnect with submarine cable to provide international broadband
connectivity
Under the current regulatory regime, broadband access network operators
are not obliged to allow third-party operators access to their local access networks. Plans for
the introduction of LLU in Thailand are currently under review by the NTC. Any access that is
currently agreed between operators is carried out on a negotiated basis with no active pricing
regulation.
8
At present core network operators are mandated to provide access to their

assets to 3rd parties, in order to provide both passive network wholesale products and active
network wholesale products. With passive network wholesale products, the interconnecting
operator pays a fee for the use of the passive network components, such as the installed fibre
and installs its own electronics in order to provide a service. With active network wholesale
products, the interconnecting operator pays a fee for the use of both the passive network
components and the installed electronics and effectively procures an end-to-end backhaul
product at a specified level of service. Current regulation means that these products are
charged on a negotiated basis, with offered prices being submitted to the NTC for monitoring,
but no active pricing regulation is in place.
Similarly for access to and interconnect with international submarine cables,
owners of cable landing stations and interconnection points are obligated to allow access to
these to 3rd parties, but this access is charged on a negotiated basis, with offered prices
being submitted to the NTC for monitoring, but no active pricing regulation is in place.
3.2.5 Rights of way
The majority of fixed network copper and fiber cabling in Thailand is
deployed aerially via electricity poles. These poles are owned by three main state-owned
electricity companies in Thailand:
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
- Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA)
- Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).
EGAT builds, owns and operates several types and sizes of electricity plants
across the country and provides power to distributors MEA (which distributes electricity to
premises within the BMA) and PEA (which distributes electricity to premises outside the BMA).
Thus, EGAT owns a national network of poles that can be used for the deployment of core
telecoms network infrastructure, whereas MEA and PEA own poles that can be used for the
deployment of telecoms access network infrastructure.
The aerial deployment of telecoms cabling can typically be completed at a
lower cost than alternative approaches such as underground ducting, which tend to involve
substantial costs for civil works (i.e. digging trenches). However, electricity poles can only
support a finite weight (and so a finite number of telecoms cables) before there is a risk of
collapse. In some areas the poles are already full. Should operators wish to deploy new
infrastructure in such areas, capacity will need to be freed on existing poles (potentially
9
through the identification and removal of existing unused cable) or alternative deployment
approaches (e.g. underground ducting) will need to be investigated.
The February 2009 Notification of the National Telecommunications
Commission Re: Criteria and Procedures for Exercising Rights-of-way in Erecting Poles,
Laying Ducts or Cables, and Installing any Accessories for Providing Telecommunications
Services (the Notification) granted a telecoms licensee the right to access poles and ducts of
public utility providers for the purposes of laying lines or installing associated equipment.
Under the Notification, the public utility provider is able to charge a necessary compensation,
and even refuse access if there is a lack of capacity, safety standards, system reliability or for
engineering reasons or any other cases prescribed by the NTC. If the request is refused or the
price for access is unreasonably high, the telecoms licensee may submit a petition for the
consideration of the NTC. In the case of a pricing dispute, the NTC can set the charge based
on incremental cost.
At present EGAT does not allow rights of way access to its poles to
telecoms operators, as any disruption to the power network that could be caused by civil work
would have wide-ranging effects on national power distribution. MEA currently allows rights of
way access to its poles to state-owned enterprises such as TOT and CAT, as well as TOTs
BMA concessionary, True Corp, at a negotiated price. PEA allows rights of way access to its
poles to any operator willing to pay an access fee.
3.3 Broadband technologies in use in Thailand (Source: NTC)
3.3.1 Fixed broadband services
The majority of broadband Internet access in Thailand is provided over
conventional (copper) fixed telephone lines, although fibre and hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) lines
are available in some areas. A variety of technologies are used to deliver broadband access
over fixed lines, and DSL technology (usually in the form of ADSL) is the most widely used.
The speed of these fixed-line Internet broadband offerings ranges between
512kbit/s and 8Mbit/s downstream (i.e. data flowing towards the end-user) and between
512kbit/s and 1Mbit/s upstream (i.e. data flowing from the end-user). The monthly cost of
subscribing to an unmetered plan for these services varies from THB590 to THB5,200.
3.3.2 Wireless broadband services
While broadband services initially developed as a fixed-line phenomenon,
recent technological developments have seen the emergence of a variety of options for
providing broadband access via wireless technology. Developed markets have recently seen
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an increase in the take-up of broadband services offered over 3G telecoms networks, and also
via WiMAX technology. In countries without an extensive fixed network, wireless broadband
technologies can serve a dual role: both as a provider of mobile broadband services (i.e.
broadband on the move) and as a provider of broadband services to fixed locations such as
homes or offices.
3.4 Internet and telephone coverage and usage in Thailand
According to NTC data, we can summarize the internet and telephone services as
follows:
3.4.1 Fiber optic network (Total : 110 Gbps )
- Satun Province Malaysia (TOT)
- Pattani Province Malaysia (TOT)
- ACPN (Via Phetchaburi Province)
- SEA-ME-WE3 (From Satun Province)
- SEA-ME-WE4 (From Satun Province)
- FLAG (From Satun Province)
- FLAG (From Songkhla Province)
Mobile phone, fixed telephone coverage, and high speed internet by AIS,
DTAC, True TOT and CAT are shown below
3.4.2 Mobile phone coverage
- Coverage : 63%
- Coverage does not include the forest : 93 %
- Population coverage : 87%
3.4.3 Fixed telephone coverage
- Coverage : 48 %
- Coverage does not include the forest : 71 %
3.4.4 High-speed Internet signal coverage
- Coverage : 13 %
- Coverage does not include forests : 19%
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3.4.5 Telephone and Internet Users Behavior

From the interviews of 5,779 special people and 1,597 normal population,
NTC found that
- 65% never use public phone
- For those who use the public phone the average is 11.25 times per
month
- 91% use Pre-paid mobile phone
- Mobile phone users use 9.14 times per day
- 57% uses high speed ADSL Internet and 35 % uses Dial-up
- Time of internet use is 77.87 minutes per day
From these numbers, NTC has separated the internet use into 3 Zones,
which are:
- Zone A City area Business with high data density (use government
fund for network development)
- Zone B - Sub urban area Living with medium data density
- Zone C Rural area - Need for Broadband development (use USO for
network development)
Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
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3.5 Market shares information

3.5.1 Thai broadband market
The main players in the broadband market in Thailand are:
- Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT)
- True Corp
- TT&T
- Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT)
In addition to the above, mobile operators (including AIS and DTAC) are
looking to offer wireless broadband services although they are yet to launch full commercial
services. TOT is the dominant player in the retail broadband market, with 38% of subscribers
as of March 2009, although True Corp and TT&T also each have a significant market share
with 35% and 22% of subscribers respectively (see Figure below). As the former monopolist in
the international connectivity market, CAT also plays an important role in the current Thai
market as it still handles a significant proportion of Thailands international Internet traffic and
has ownership of all international cable landing stations.
Market share of broadband providers in Thailand [Source: Telegeography]

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3.5.2 Mobile Services Market

Market Share
Source: Office of policy and regulations Market share service at the end of the
Note: 1/ fourth quarter of year 2009 combines quarter year 2009 (source: Office of policy
service provider of MVNOs and regulations)
Competitive Condition
According to the total number of the registered customers, we found that at
the end of the fourth quarter of 2009, AIS possessed the highest market share (43.51%),
slightly reduced from the previous quarter (43.61%). The proportion of the market share is
followed by DTAC of which the market share was as the amount of the last previous (29.80%).
Followed by True Move, the market share was at 23.80%, slightly increased. Regarding CAT-
Hutch, DPC, and TOT, which can be considered as the retail service providers, their market
share, at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009, could be summed as 2.58, 0.12, and 0.03,
respectively
As for the competitive condition classified by types of consumers that
responding to the different service charge rate, we can divide them in term of the market of
mobile phone in the type of Post-paid, Pre-paid which can be elaborated as follows.
With regard to the type of Post-paid, at the end of the fourth quarter of
2009, AIS possessed the highest market share (40.22%), followed by DTAC, True Move, CAT-
Hutch, DOC, and TOT of which the market shares were 32.50 , 17.39 , 8.53 , 1.12, and 0.25,
respectively
While the type of Pre-paid, at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009, AIS was
also possessed the highest market share as it did for Post-paid. In other word, it obtained the
market share at the rate of 43.90%, followed by DTAC, TRUE Move CAT-Hutch and TOT of
which the market share were 29.48, 24.74, 1.86 and 0.01, respectively
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Market share mobile phone on Post-paid service at the Market share mobile phone on Pre-paid service at the
end of quarter of year 2009 (source: Office of policy end of the quarter of year 2009 (source: Office of
and regulations) policy and regulations)
3.5.3 Internet Market
When looking at the high speed internet access methods which is widely
used now, we found that, at the end of the last quarter of 2009, the access method of xDSL4;
especially ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), which is popularly used among
residential and SMEs, possess the value of the internet access at the rate of 66.71%. While
the access method of Internet Leased Line which is popularly used in business sectors
possessed the access value at 30.04. In addition, there are still other kinds of high speed
internet access method such as cable modem, FWA, IP-TV, Metro Ethernet and WLAN which
can be calculated for the value of the access at the last quarter of 2009 at 3.24%
Market Share
Proportional value High speed Internet connection The year 2009 by quarter (source: IDC Thailand.2010)
As can be seen, the number of the high speed internet users and internet
access methods has been dramatically increased because of the free trade in internet
gateway. It drives the competition in service quality and reduces the cost in connecting the
internet internationally. In addition, it provides more choices of Internet Service Porviders
(ISPs) in the country with the speedier bandwidth which has been expanded to serve the
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continuously growth of internet market and demand of the people in consuming information.
We may see that in the fourth quarter of 2009, the bandwidth of NIX was highly increased
from the previous quarter at 619,315 megabit per second. However, the IIG rate was slightly
higher from the previous quarter at about 104,600 megabit per second
Market Share
Market share of high-speed internet year 2009 (source: Office Market share of service on high-speed Internet
of policy and regulations) access at the end of the quarter year 2009 (source:
Office of policy and regulations)
Competitive Condition
When looking at the retail internet service market in connecting method that
XDSL is used as the representative of the competition of high speed internet market, we can
say that TOT, True Internet and TT&T SS or known as 3BB is the main player of the market in
this segment. In addition, as its advantage in holding the network of local telephone, TOT
possesses the highest market share of high speed internet market at the end of the fourth
quarter in 2009 (41.54%), followed by TRUE internet, TT&T SS (3BB) and other ISPs that the
market share can be set as 30.08, 23.79 and 4.60, respectively.
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3.6 Institutional structures
Source : National telecommunication commission of Thailand (NTC)
In 1997, Thailands constitution requires a separated regulator agency from the

regular telecommunications service provider resulted in the establishment of National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on October 1, 2004. NTC is an independent agency,
liberated from the government. This agency has responsibility as regulator of
telecommunications business as well as regulatory and telecommunication spectrum
allocation. While TOT and CAT act only as the telecommunication service provider and moved
under authority of the ICT Ministry in 2002 ,the same year as the establishment of Ministry of
Information and Communication Technology.
In the past, TOT and CAT opened the spectrum auction for the private sector. That
time, the concessionaire of 900 MHz of TOT auction is AIS (till 2015), whereas the
concessionaire of 1800 MHz of CAT is DTAC (till 2018). Afterwards, DTAC has shared some
part of 1800 MHz with other companies which later have become Operator or the mobile
phone provider as well, namely TRIE MOVE and DPC Co., Ltd., one company of Samart
Corporation Public Co., Ltd. (Hello 1800 provider) which later AIS took over and merged to be
GSM 1800, the institutional structure and revenue sharing, as well as interconnection/ assess
charge are shown in figures below;
17
Note : MOF - Ministry of Finance

ICT - Ministry of Information Communication and Technology
Source : DTAC
Source : DTAC
As for the 2G concessions which the three private companies received from TOT
and CATs telecommunication, they are still upheld. The circumstances cause the uncertainty
about the authority of spectrum allocation on which organization is in charge. This has an
impact on 3G auction process for NTC.
18
According to the NTC auction plan, in the middle of 2010, NTC will license 4 permits
for 3 previous operators and 1 for new operator. However, as NTC condition, TOT and CAT
who presently are state organization do not have the right to join this auction. It has caused
discontented by Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) as the
surveillant and the ministry has requested the Prime Minister to change the NTCs rule.
One more problem of the 3G auction is the relocation of 2G customers base under
the previous concession contract to the new permit system of NTC, referring to the previous
contract, the private sector must pay the concession fee about 20-25% from income to TOT
and CAT telecommunication. Meanwhile, NTC rules that the new permit is cheaper than
previous one approximately 6% which cost hundred of billions. If present 2G provider can
transfer customer database to the 3G network, the income of TOT and CAT
telecommunication will decrease substantially. Moreover, TOT and CAT have less on
competency to compete with private companies (the most explicit example is that the TOT
broadband service is still long behind its competitors). Nowadays, both TOT and CAT earns
their main income from the concession fee, if this part of the income is deducted, the profit will
turn to loss.
The NTCs 3G auction process faced many minor problems. Nevertheless, the major
problem is the loss of governmental revenue from concession fee. It caused the delay of 3G
while Thailand is only a few countries left in Asia that do not have 3G services. The main
obstacles are:
- That the valuation of the existing concession contract s price has to be fair and
reflect the real value so that the government does not lose its benefits and the
private sectors do not overpay causing the lack of 3G investment fund
- That this approach requires NTC as the authorized organization in surveillant,
and government as the TOT and CAT owner to work closely together to
determine the consistency of regulation, including the cancellation of concession
(governments authority), new 2G permit (NTCs authority), and the regulation of
3G auction (NTCs authority)
19
3.7 NTC-3G licensing process and roll-out requirements and eligibility criteria for
licensees.
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has announced the principles and
regulations concerning the permission of providing 3G service on 2.1 GHz. National
Telecommunications Commission has issued Information Memorandum under the title as
Permission for Using Frequency for Mobile Phone Business IMT: 2.1 GHz with the Limited
Licenses of 3 by Auctions for the Bandwidth of 2 x 15 MHz. The authorized company would
be permitted to provide the service in all over the country. Each provider is limited to use the
frequency for one set only.
Frequency Frequency Lower Band Upper Band Prices start of

measurements the action
The series 1 2x15 MHz 1920 -1935 MHz 2110-2125 MHz 12,800
The series 2 2x15 MHz 1935-1950 MHz 2125-2140 MHz 12,800
The series 3 2x15 MHz 1950-1965 MHz 2140-2155 MHz 12,800
Regarding the auction process, NTC has announced to invite all of the applicants to
the meeting at the same time and the auctions is run as Simultaneous Multiple Round: SMR.
SMR is very popular auction method, highly used abount the matter relevant to frequency
permission. In the auction, they would run it through intranet system. NTC has set the
computers and necessary facilities. The applicants would get the username (Login ID) and
password for the auction. In the auction, the applicants have to change the password from
what they have received and it is assumed that they agree for the terms and conditions for the
auction. The value will be started at the lowest rate and the rate would be increased in each
round where NTC has set as 60 million Baht for the appropriateness in permitting the private
sector in using national communication resource of the country. NTC sets the auction as
follows. 1) If a person participating in the auction were four or more, NTC will be bidding for a
license to use the frequency on all three sets, 2) if the auction was attended by three, NTC will
be auction for spectrum licenses of two, 3) If persons participating in the auction are two NTC
will be an auction for spectrum licenses to a number of sets and 4) If the participants in one
bid, NTC reserves the right to cancel this auction.
After the above auction, if there is still remain set frequency, NTC will start the
process to permit the next time within 90 days after the auction ends earlier.
20
Which starts at the price of winning the auction times the previous lowest The price
shall be the minimum value of the allowed bands and set the rest of the article 1) and 4) shall
apply.
If the successful bidders are the licensee of Telecommunications is already the third.
When compliance with the terms of the previous license until all NTC will consider issuing a
license to use the 2.1 GHz band IMT district to operate more mobile IMT under license a third
telecommunications has been the same.
For the duration of license To allow for a period of 15 years from the date of the
license. If the recipient a license to use the 2.1 GHz band IMT district is the licensee of
Telecommunications is already the third. To allow time for separate mobile IMT for 15 years.
The license fee for spectrum 2.1 GHz IMT district when the auction ends. The
successful bidders paid a license fee to use the frequency 2.1 GHz IMT district bid up the
price of the winners of each auction. The payment is divided into three periods as follows.
- the period in which a fee is of 50% of the highest bidder. With delivery guarantee
from a bank to guarantee to pay the remainder within 45 days from the date of
receipt of the notice is entitled to receive a license.
- pay the second installment of 25% of the highest bidder within 15 days from the
due date to allow time for the second year.
- pay the third installment of 25% of the highest bidder within 15 days from the
date of maturity to allow the third year.
Furthermore the applicant must place an auction for cash collateral. Or check
payable to the bank. This is to check the date on which the check was paid to the Office. NTC
or earlier than 3 days. The value of 10% of the next step of allowing use of spectrum set to be
licensed and to submit a letter of financial support in the business of commercial banks.
3.8 Radio frequency that can be used for 3G or WiMAX
From TOT definition 3G is wireless mobile or Mobile Broadband with speeds to 384
kbps - 2 Mbps or higher in motion and which is connected to the network at any time (Always-
ON). TOT's available through 14.4 Mbit/s The TOT's 3G network service on the 2,100 MHz
frequency is based on IMT-2000 standard of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union),
in which TOT is now the only operator licensed to use the frequency. TOT for 3G due to the
frequency prior to the NTC enables the frequency area and 3G mobile services at this
frequency. For the other providers is an adaptation of the existing frequency as 900 MHz or
1800 MHz and so be able to use higher data speeds comparable to so-called 3G commercial.
Non-compliance with international standards.
21
For the current Thailand has served 3G using frequency as follows:

- Frequency 850 MHz Developed by True Dtac and extension from the 2.5 G or
2.75 G.
- Frequency 900 MHz Developed by AIS by extension from the GSM (2.75)
- Frequency 1900 MHz Developed by TOT
From the individual entrepreneur developed to provide 3G services on the existing
frequency. There may be some problems and obstacles. On call across the network's service
area and other details that need to be agreed many respects.
TOT's current 3G network in the first phase covers an area of Bangkok and its vicinity,
so only 1 station, but TOT aims to expand the network. It will increase the number of stations. TOT
3G market is now focusing on selling the package. TOT plans to rent out 5 companies in a 3G
network MVNO - Mobile Virtual Network Operator, namely is 365, Samart, Loxley, IEC and M
Consult. From the 3G system will use a Non-voice, which is the main data can be used with
mixed-media works in various formats Multimedia. Factor that was important to encourage
people to use networking to benefit the most compared to the Application of software
applications used for each type TOT, which itself has supported the development of the
Application of MVNO as well as promotion agencies and their employees in the TOT to
develop a new Application out as much as possible. In particular, the Application will be
beneficial to society. If it is accepted, it will be released if the Application and the possibility of
commercial products will be removed next.
3.9 Current situation and trend of 3G in Thailand
The NTC councils, independent constitutional organization had conducted the 2100
MHz or 3G auction in 20th September 2010 as of previous schedule. The government and
related organizations acknowledged and participated in this process. Plus, various
organizations also support this auction, in hoping that this is the initiation to reform the
Thailands telecommunication. However, CAT telecommunication Co., Ltd. had legally sued
NTC on the ground of its authority and function to withhold the auction. This leads to ceased
of auction process and causing profoundly impacts toward politic, economic, and our society.
The ruling by the administration court impeachment reflects the conflict between government
and independent organization NTC in the allocation of national resource.
On 10th November, 2010, the Council representatives considered draft of the
organization Allocating Broadcasting Frequency and Supervising radio/Television broadcasting
and Telecommunication Business Act which has already agreed by the Council. The main
issue is that the House of Representatives demand the National Broadcasting and
22
Telecommunication Commission Council which has 11 members according to approval by the

House of Representatives, to (a) subtract the number of Council in the section of religious
expert, but remain social development expert, (b) to limit the Councils age to be not below 50
years old, but not over 70 years old, (c) to expand the time range for state enterprise (CAT
and TOT) to submit the revenue from concession, permit, or contract, after expense, to the
government for 3 years since the act enter into force, including its provisions. The provisions
may enter into force after the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission
about 1 year, or in other word, one and half year afterward the legitimization of this act. The
National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission should temporarily allocate the
people television broadcasting in the area that has the available analog spectrums; however, it
must be reallocated when they becomes digital broadcasting.
According to the House of Representatives Meeting has agreed to the draft of the
organization Allocating Broadcasting Frequency and Supervising radio/Television broadcasting
and Telecommunication Business Act as above, after the Council Members resolved all
issues, the Senate will propose to the Meeting on this 15th November, 2010, expecting to
gain approval of this draft.
As follow the process, the last stage, the Chairman of the House of Representatives
will pass the draft Act to the Prime Minister proposing to His Majesty the King for signatory in
this December, 2010. And after 180 days of the Act declaration in the Government gazette,
the recruitment process of the Council members immediately, expecting in January and
certainly finishing in June 2011.
Many sectors express their opinions that this Act is on important Act and the
societies profoundly expect the reformed telecommunication system to be more modernization;
however, we have to consider the structure of telecommunication system, especially, the
concession right whether it is fair or not. We hope that the Act will be the initiation point to the
transition. The reformation will lead to changes in concessions benefit. If CAT and TOT are
precipitated to transfer the revenue from business management to government, they may not
be able to execute their business. Presently, both companies focus on commerce, do not
emphasize in service. In the past 3 years, the concession fee of CAT valued more than THB
two hundred billions. The company shared to the government only THB 2700 millions,
approximately 20%of the whole amount. So, there is the question ask whether CAT does
something worth enough for the government and people.
23
3.10 Policy and plans of government in rural broadband development

3.10.1 National Broadband Policy (Drafted version)
Government Intentions
1. Thai government supposes to do more support and development of
Broadband service consider as main necessary infrastructure of the nation more widely, more
adequate, more affordable and more competitive.
2. People are capable of more internet access and receive benefit from
the development of Broadband. These solutions can solve the digital divide and spread
prosperity to the region of the country. As well as improve their quality of life.
3. Both Thai government and private sector can access and receive
benefit from Broadband development to increasing productivity and competitiveness of the
country sustainable development.
4. The government should manage telecommunications asset in the
private sector with equality as well as improve management efficiency. They should not
monopolize the administration of Broadband network throughout the country.
5. The Government need to determine the policy and regulatory by
awareness of national security. In addition, the private sector should have more participation
and more investment in service.
6. Government supposed to promote telecommunications both wired and
wireless carriers, ICT entrepreneur, content creators, the broadcasting business, the business
of television and electronic commerce entrepreneur.
Objectives
1. Development of Broadband network coverage not less than 80% in
2015 and not less than 95% in 2020. In addition, improve better service quality and base on
reasonable cost. Estimate target at least 10 major cities of the country can be use the Hi
speed Internet. Bandwidth should not less than 100 Mbps. Government need to invest is
necessary infrastructure such as optical fiber network system in 2020.
2. People perceive of internet service usefulness such as improve their
education, better healthcare system, disaster warning and online public service through the
Broadband network with coverage all area and eliminate the digital divide.
2.1 All schools in the main district of province have to access high
quality Broadband service in 2015 and offer in every school in
2020.
24
2.2 All health centers in district have access to Broadband services

with equivalent quality hospitals and linked to quality assurance
service and social security system through Broadband network in
2015.
2.3 Expanding e-government services via Broadband to the District
Administration Organization so that people can access internet
any time in 2015.
2.4 Thailand has to have disaster warning system for monitoring
disaster, natural disasters and alert emergency situation through
the Broadband network for distribute information to the public.
3. Private sector can access and use of Broadband networks evenly to
improve their competitiveness and economic growth of the country.
3.1. Increase the competitiveness in terms of technology
infrastructure that is top 25% strategy of all country for gain
ability to compete in the highest ranking of World
Competitiveness Rankings.
3.2. The creative economy will be established in terms of design and
service. That can operate anywhere in the country through the
Broadband network. Decentralization from urban areas to
distribute income to rural areas.
3.3. Increased proportion of e-Commerce to GDP up to 10% in 2015.
4. Reduce energy consumption and resource with access to
communications, gain information sharing on Broadband services in both manufacturing
and service sectors.
5. Reducing the cost of international connectivity fees and broadband
access to the public to lower rates.
6. Development of content and application in education, health, and
safety, religious, cultural, and environmental protection benefit.
7. People realize value and risk of information technology and
communications, as well as the use of broadband with creativity.
8. Development of information system and communications technology
industry.
Approaches
1. To develop infrastructure and broadband services.
25
1.1. Thai government supposes to do more promotion and support

competition in the broadband business and broadband services
to rural areas.
1.2. Government and private sector are invest on infrastructure to
develop broadband networks with efficiency and lower costs for
reduce redundant investment.
1.3. Support the government in regulator to the allocation of spectrum
as national resources.
1.4. CAT and TOT should be restructured and role in the Broadband
network services to operators with equity.
1.5. Restructuring the telecommunications industry under the permit
system and fair competition for entrepreneurs.
1.6. Thai government supposed to support research and
development of Broadband technology both networks and
services for commercialize.
2. Development to use of broadband.
2.1. Thai government supposed to do the development on application
and content, which can be linked to e-government system,
educational services system, health services system and
information services system.
2.2. Thai government supposed to develop more skills and more
capabilities about IT literacy and information literacy to the
people, communities and SMEs from the service broadband.
3. Security of broadband network.
3.1. Development of information security experts and personnel
3.2. Build alternative networks to different regions of the world; land
underwater cables, satellite and open policy for investment by
public, private, or joint ventures.
3.3. Indentify negative impacts and threats to broadband services.
Have measures in dealing with internet crime, intellectual
property and private information violations.
26
3.4. Development of systems and infrastructure that can transmit and

analyze important data such as warning systems via broadband.
Also prepare emergency plans in case broadband system is not
operable.
3.5. Chief Information Officer in government and private sector need
to understand about policy of broadband service and national
information security.
4. Management of policy and governance.
4.1. National Information and Communication Committee integrates
work forces in each issue and set up subcommittees composed
of private and governmental sectors to draft work plans in order
to succeed the set objectives of this policy, follow up on issues,
propose organization responsible in the action plan, and report
the progress to the cabinet.
3.10.2 List of all relevant master plans and policies

National broadband policy
Second Thailand Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Master Plan (2009 -2012)
Information Technology Policy Framework of Thailand 2001-2010 (IT2010)
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT)
- Master Plan of information technology and communications of
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (2009-
2012)
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
- Master Plan of telecommunications issue 2 (2008-2010)
Ministry of Education
- Master Plan of information and communication technology to
education of the Ministry of education. 2007-2011.
Ministry of Health
- Master Plan of information technology and communications of
ministry of Health 2004-2006
27
4. Methodology
4.1 Scope of Work
4.1.1 Objective of the project
This consultancy is part of a broader activity which has the objective of
assisting the Thailand MICT in preparing a rural broadband development strategy that involves
(a) taking stock of the deployment of broadband networks in rural areas, including in particular
access by priority groups such as medical clinics and schools; (b) identifying relevant
examples of approaches to rural broadband deployment and access from international
experience, including successful innovative approaches to promote efficient private sector
participation in the effective promotion of rural broadband development; and (c) developing
concepts for programming and/or policy initiatives for Thailand. The objective of this
consultancy is to contribute to the overall project on Thailand Rural Broadband Infrastructure
Development by providing expert knowledge on relevant Thailand-specific factors.
4.1.2 Tasks under local consultant
In order to achieve the objective, the local consultant will undertake the
following tasks:
1) Take stock of current access to broadband in rural areas of Thailand, in

particular by priority groups such as schools and medical clinics;
2) Identify and describe key factors that apply in Thailand, including
institutional, market, and rural development factors and opportunities;
3) Review and make comments on the main reports prepared by the
international consultant, with a focus on the relevance and applicability
of the findings and recommendations to the Thai context; and
4) Propose and facilitate meetings for the International Consultants, make
recommendations regarding invitations to the Workshop (including
advice on target user groups in rural areas and mechanisms to engage
with them), and assist in arrangement the meetings with experts,
stakeholders, and MICT officials.
28
4.2 Process
1) Identify key information required for the study and search for such
information from various sources.
1.1. General Geographic, Demographic, Socio-Economic Data
Geographic information, including maps, providing regional breakdowns
of population distribution (# of persons and households, age
distributions, etc.), and other relevant available demographic data;
Education data: numbers of schools, students, and teachers (primary,
secondary, university), within each rural region; also information on
technical/ICT programs: locations, numbers of students and
graduates, etc.
Locations and numbers of other key public institutions within each
rural region: government offices, health facilities, libraries, post
offices, etc.;
Recent economic trends, at a national and regional level (if possible
broken down between rural and other areas), especially GDP and
GDP/capita, household incomes, employment.
1.2. National and Rural ICT and Broadband Market Status
General telecommunications/Internet market data:
- Penetration of fixed and mobile telephone services, broken down
by region and rural vs. non-rural, if possible;
- Average spending/revenues for basic telecommunications
services, again with regional/rural breakdowns, as well as broken
down by operator;
Broadband and Internet market data:
- General data on national and regional/rural penetration and use
of Internet access (narrow or broadband), including private
consumer subscriptions, businesses customers, numbers of
ISPs, traffic data, etc.
- Data on availability and use of public Internet facilities in rural
areas: private Internet cafs as well as public Telecenters and
similar access points;
29
-Identification and scope of current broadband service providers

(fixed-line ADSL or equivalent; satellite-based; cable-TV; wireless
mobile; WiMax and other Broadband Wireless Access);
- Current geographic deployment of national and international
backbone network links and levels of capacity;
- Current geographic deployment of broadband capacity retail
networks and services in non-urban areas, (ideally network map
or other detailed data showing availability of services by region);
- Penetration and revenue trends for retail broadband services,
both nationally and in non-urban areas (# of subscribers,
average revenues, preferably by region, for each service);
- Catalog of Broadband and Internet availability and utilization at
key public institutions nationwide in rural areas, by region
(schools, health clinics, government offices, libraries, post
offices, etc.)
Other ICT market data:
- Penetration of computers among Thai households, consumers,
ideally broken down by region and by rural/non-rural;
- General national market data for e-commerce spending in
Thailand, including on-line purchases, e-banking, web
businesses, etc.;
- General national market trend data for other key digital life
indicators: iPods and mp3, DVDs, video and computer gaming,
social networking, etc.
1.3. Rural Broadband-related policies, projects, plans, initiatives
Government policies and programs:
- Licensing of 3G, WiMax, other new, competitive broadband
providers;
- MICT ICT Master Plan (and other MICT);
- NTC Universal Service (and other NTC);
- Ministry of Rural Development (or equivalent) programs,
strategies;
30
- Ministry of Education: School Net, e-learning, training, other

programs;
- Ministry of Health: e-health, etc.;
- E-Government programs in general.
License condition on 3G network role out by NTC and current situation
on 3G after suspension the licensing process by Thai Administration
Court
Private sector projects and plans:
- Communications operator plans for further investments in
broadband network and service rollouts in rural areas;
- Companies planning to introduce or expand ICT products and
services that rely upon broadband in Thailand;
- Partnerships, marketing campaigns, other commercial initiatives
to promote rural broadband growth.
2) Arrange interviews with relevant agencies.
Ministry of Education (MOE)
Ministry of Health (MOH)
National Telecommunication Commission of Thailand (NTC)
CAT Telecom Public Company Limited
TOT Public Company Limited
Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS)
TT&T Public Company Limited
etc.
3) Collect Information from interviewing sources
- Statistics using E-Commerce.
- How to use Government Information Network (GIN) and access to the
agency.
- Information of the location of the ICT community center and
connections with the current Internet.
31
- Information of the Broadband development policy or plan of Thailand

- Information of the location networks IP Star connected to a different
location.
Ministry of Education (MOE)
- Policy, strategy and guidelines for infrastructure development and use
of the Broadband for Education in Thailand Especially for education in
rural areas.
- Broadband data network under the supervision of the Ministry of
Education.
- Trends of Broadband Education for Thailand in the future.
Ministry of Health (MOH)
- Policy, strategy and guidelines for infrastructure development and use
of the Broadband for Health in Thailand Especially for public health in
rural areas.
- Broadband data network under the supervision of the Ministry of
Health.
- Trends Broadband for Health for Thailand in the future.
National Telecommunication Commission of Thailand (NTC)
- Policies and guidelines for developing Broadband infrastructure in the
context of Thailand
- Number and location of the data network Broadband.
CAT Telecom Public Company Limited
- Data network Broadband of CAT Telecom Public Company Limited
TOT Public Company Limited
- Data network Broadband of TOT Telecom Public Company Limited
TT&T Public Company Limited
- Data network Broadband of TT&T Telecom Public Company Limited
Thai Netizen Network (Thailand Institutional Type : Civil Society/NGO)
4) Summarize and prepare the data for International Consultant
5) Send the collected information to the International Consultant
32
6) Write up a Draft Information Report prepared by Local Consultant and send

to World Bank for a review.
7) Give recommendation on Draft Report prepared by International Consultant
8) Prepare a Workshop in Bangkok
Coordinate with MICT and World Bank in organizing a Workshop in Bangkok
9) During Workshop.
Presentation : Status of Rural Broadband ICT in Thailand By Local Consultant
10) Final report by International Consultant
4.3 Responsibility for workshop
Local Consultant will work with MICT in coordinate the workshop; invitation
participant, selection the site and present the current situation/status of Thailand ICT/
Broadband development.
33
Draft Report By Local Consultant
4.4 Time line by Local Consultant
Tasks August September October November December January February March April
- Preliminary Information Gathering
- Int. Expert Visit (MICT , MOH , MOE , NTC ,
CAT , TOT, TDRI , TT&T , AIS ,etc
- Follow-up Information
- General Geographic, Demographic, Socio-
Economic Data
- National and Rural ICT and Broadband
Market Status
- Rural Broadband-related policies, projects,
plans, initiatives
- Gathering More
- Send Report Information to International
Consultant
- Draft Report Information on Local Consultant
- Review Report on International Consultant
- Prepare Workshop
- Co-organized Workshop
- Presentation : Status of Rural Broadband
ICT in Thailand By Local Consultant
Final report By Local Consultant
34
5. Interview
5.1 Schedule during 30 August-3 September 2010
Date time List of Interviewee
10.00-11.00 - preliminary meeting at MICT
Monday 14.00 15.00 - Ms. Mayuree Rattanamung
30 August 2010 - Director of Information and

Communication Technology Center
- Ministry of Education
Tuesday 11.00 12.00 - Mr. Anant Worrathitipong

31 August 2010 - Senator
13.30 14.30 - Dr. Sinchai Torwattanakitkul

- Director of Information and
Communication Technology Center of
Ministry of Public Health
Wednesday 09.30-10.30 - Ms. Kedkamol Saenawat

1 September Manager
2010 - TOT Public Company Limited
16.00-18.30 - Meeting at MICT
Thursday 11.00-12.00 - Mr. Prawit Leesathapornwongsa

2 September - Director of Telecommunication
2010 Consumer Protection Institute
13.00-14.00 - Mr. Niphon Jongvishit

- NTC
35
Date time List of Interviewee
Friday 08.00-09.00 - Mr. Wichian Mektrakarn

3 September - Chief Executive Officer
2010 - AIS
10.00 11.00 - Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich

- Research Director (Information
Economy), Science and Technology
Development Program
- Thailand Development Research
Institute
13.00-14.00 - Mr. Sompol Janprasert

- Senior Executive Vice president of
Broadband Business
- CAT TELECOM PUBLIC COMPANY
LIMITED)
15.30-16.30 - Mr. Chamnarn Pramotepaiboon

- CEO
- TT&T Public Company Limited
36
6. framework for the study of Broadband Development in Rural Area on Local

Consultant
MICT has requested the Local Consultant

World Bank to provide
input for a rural
broadband development
strategy. With the - Preliminary Information
support of the Public- Gathering
Private Infrastructure - Arrange interviews
Advisory Facility with relevant agencies
and collect information
from interviewing
sources.
The Bank is responding
to this request by
Strategic options for
mobilizing a small team
development of rural
of consultants under the - Summarize and International Consultant
broadband policy for
direction of senior World prepare the data Thailand
Bank staff from the - Collected information
Global ICT Department.
Draft Information Report

prepared by Local
International and Local
Consultant
Consultant
Workshop
Final report by Local

Consultant
37
7. Major Stakeholders in Thailand Telecommunication

7.1 Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT)
7.1.1 Background
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology was
established on October 3, 2002 by the Government Ministry and Department Reorganization
Act B.E. 2545, and was granted the power and duty to plan, promote, develop, and perform
activities related to information and communication technology, meteorology, statistics, and
any other public duties specified by the law to be under the power and duty of the Ministry of
Information and Communication Technology. The ministry consists of
1. Office of the Minister
2. Office of the Permanent Secretary
3. The Meteorological Department
4. The National Statistical Office
5. TOT Public Company Limited
6. CAT Telecom Public Company Limited
7. Thailand Post Company Limited
8. Software Industry Promotion Agency (Public Agency)
Section 57 Within one year as from the date this Act comes into force, the
government shall submit an Act establishing the Information and Communication Technology
Promotion office, the Information and Communication Technology Research and Development
office, and the Civilian Survey and Cartography Department under the Ministry of Information
and Communication Technology.
Vision : To become the ASEANs leading for Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) development, and to be the center organization in ICT
developing and integrating thoroughly Thailand with efficiency.
Missions:
1. Suggestion and implementation an information technology and communication
policy of the Government in bringing a concrete action.
2. Thailand has a role in promoting as a hub of information and communications
technology of Asia region.
3. Role for promotion, support and development of ICT usage of all sectors in order
to develop in various parts of Thailand thoroughly and efficiently.
38
4. Research and Development of ICT for promotion is to be supported in order to

increase worlds competition power and capability.
5. The efficiency development in ICT human resource for promotion and support.
6. Tracking on performance to assess by the information technology and
communication development policy.
Service Objectives
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has specified its service
objectives, so as to be compatible with its duty, as follow:
1. To develop the ICT capability of the country so that Thailand could become a
regional ICT center.
2. To employ ICT in the management and services of the public sector efficiently
and ubiquitously.
3. To develop and promote the use of ICT to increase the competitive edge of the
country.
4. To provide natural disaster warnings using modern and efficient ICT systems.
5. To provide up-to-date information and database for decision-making to the
administration.
7.1.2 Research Projects of the Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology
1) Current Situation and Trends of e-Commerce in Thailand
From the result of the 2009 e-commerce survey, shown in figure 1, it
is found that the sector of fashion, costume, gems and jewelry is accounted for 42.1%, while
sector of computer, electronic devices and internet is 17.7%.
In 2007-2008, the sector of fashion, Costume, Gems and jewelry was
18.0%, 29.4% and 42.1% respectively
51.2% of e-Commerce has been established for less than 1 year.
When considering the characteristic of sale, around 60.5% solely sells via electronic. In
addition, 4.5% is the business on OTOP products.
39
Computer, Electronics, and Internet
Fashion, Costume and Jewelry
Travel Hotel and Resort 2007

2008
Automotives and Industrial products
2009
Publications and office equipment
Service
Figure 1 : PercentOther
of e-Commerce business by sector of industry, 2007-2009
Percent
(Source : National Statistic Office)
When considering the values of e-Commerce in 2008 by operators, it

is found that the total was worth 527,538 million baht (e-Auction was worth 288,749 million
baht, or 54.7%)
The B2B operators was 190,751 million baht, or a 36.2% and B2C
operators was 45,951 million baht, or a 8.7% (figure 2).
Figure 2 : Table show values of e-Commerce by operators
operators values of e-Commerce (million baht)
2006 2007 2008
Value Percent Value Percent Value Percent
Total 305,159 100.0 427,460 100.0 527,538 100.0
B2B 79,726 26.1 127,325 29.8 190,751 36.2
B2C 47,501 15.6 63,425 14.8 45,951 8.7
B2G 177,932 58.3 236,710 55.4 290,836 55.1
e-Auction
() (176,683) (57.9) (233,982) (54.8) (288,749) (54.7)
(1,249) (0.4) (2,728) (0.6) (2,087) (0.4)
Source : National Statistic Office
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When considering the values of sale in 2008 by sector, it is found that

the total was worth 527,538 million baht (e-Auction was worth 288,749 million baht, or 54.7%)
The B2B operators was 190,751 million baht, or a 36.2% and B2C
operators was 45,951 million baht, or a 8.7%.
Considering the values of sale separating by sector of industry, it is
found that in 2008, the automotives and industrial products have the most volume about 71,
617 million baht (30.00%), then the about 59,420 million baht (24.9%). Next in line is Fashion,
costume, jewelry and accessories approximately 11,811 million baht (4.9%). Comparing to the
2007, it is shown that the automotives and industrial products has increasingly more sales
value from 16.8% in 2007 to 30% in 2008, as well as the computer, electronics, and internet
has grown up from 16.1% in 2007 to 24.9% in 2008 (figure 3).
Figure 3 : Table show values of e-Commerce by sector of industry,
sectors values of e-Commerce (million baht)
2006 2007 2008
Value Percent Value Percent Value Percent
Total 128,476 100.0 193,478 100.0 238,789 100.0
Computer, 12,795 10.0 31,136 16.1 59,420 24.9
Electronics, and
Internet
Fashion, Costume 11,226 8.7 10,595 5.5 11,811 4.9
and Jewelry
Travel Hotel and 7,675 6.0 18,182 9.4 10,570 4.4
Resort
Automotives and 21,809 17.0 32,433 16.8 71,617 30.0
Industrial products
Publications and 1,761 1.4 4,469 2.3 5,056 2.1
office equipment
Service 10,053 7.8 6,780 3.5 3,657 1.5
Other 63,157 49.1 89,883 46.4 76,658 32.2
Not including governmental e-Auction business
Source : National Statistic Office
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Turning to e-commerce business (not including governmental e-

Auction business), it is the domestic market valued 85.9% from the whole sales values. The
international shares is about 14.1% which the customers come from various countries such
as United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Germany, to name but few.
initiatives on CIO function and on support for E-commerce, which has established the Office
of Electronic Commerce. Under the MICT. Under the Office of Electronic Commerce, It
divides the work and duties into:
1. Department General Administration.
2. Group of standard electronic transactions.
3. Group of policy promotion and development of electronic transactions.
4. Group of regulatory services.
The Office of Electronic Commerce has the function as follow :
1. Recommendations to the Board of Directors of electronic transactions in the
preparation of the terms and security measures and Information Infrastructure
Protection relevant.
2. Recommend and push for data exchange standard and applicable technology to
meet international standards.
3. Define criteria and direction to permits, business registration services that related
to electronic transactions, as well as the approval and supervision services
related to electronic transactions.
4. Promote or prepare development guidelines for staff in the application of
information technology and communications, and various laws, regulations or
guidelines involved in electronic transactions.
5. Coordinate for cooperation in the various Agencies or international organizations
in matters relating to electronic transactions.
6. Ensure other duties and objectives of the law on electronic transactions. Or other
relevant rules. Or by the Committee assigned to electronic transactions.
7. Working with or support the work of other agencies involved or to be assigned.
MICT currently anticipates drive the market expansion through the One
Tambon One Product (OTOP), products under the e-Commerce. The OTOP shopping via the
Internet is another means to find a wide range of OTOP products. If the system of payment
and delivery are efficiently it will be able to promote electronic transactions for the OTOP
products as well as spending up the business experience even more.
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The Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies prepared

to push the policy to use e-Commerce effectively for both providers and clients. The MICT
with 6 agencies taking a project to promote e-Commerce Entrepreneurs, the One Tambon
One Product is tries on a pilot project. OTOP entrepreneurs can do business in a systematic
way under manufacturing, transportation, and promotion, distribution and payment. This will
support the distribution of OTOP operators using the potential of the six agencies follows the
Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior, Department of Export Promotion,
Ministry of Commerce, Krung Thai Bank (Thailand) Co., Company Limited TOT (Thailand)
Co., Ltd. and Thailand Post, MCOT Public Company Limited. To the OTOP products and
goods in the Royal Project. Resale transactions via electronic commerce (e-Commerce),
targeting major credit card customers. Each agency is responsible for the areas. Community
Development Department will serve selection, Collection of OTOP products and coordinate
with the operator. Department of Export Promotion, Promotion Consultants OTOP products in
a foreign language. Krung Thai Bank. Preparation of the payment system through various
appropriate. TOT preparation system online shop website. www.tote-market.com. For product
display. Collection order Training and knowledge in e-Commerce. And Thailand Post
Company. Undertake the transportation system, both domestically and internationally.
Including counseling, appropriate packaging. And MCOT Plc will use network communication
channels with various fields to support and publish the OTOP products join the project.
2) Government Information Network : GIN
Network Design Concept
GIN Network is the network connecting internal governmental agency together. It
has characteristic as the Government Internet linking The Prime Ministers Office, Ministry,
and Department which will further support the lower hierarchy rank agencies.
1. VLAN for GIN Network is provided by CAT and TOT by absolutely separating
GIN and Non-GIN Network. Each access Node will have VLAN/PVC which lead to the
strongly and trusty security system. Totally, VLAN/PVC of each Access Node will have 274
positions dividing and having their own VLAN ID/PVC ID.
2. The linkage between components and circuits in GIN of CAT and TOT consists
of 3 layers namely, Core layer, Distribution layer and Access layer. The Network PMOC,
MOC and DOC will like with CAT and TOT in Access layer.
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3. In the linkage between Network Provider and Internet, GIN of TOT and CAT
will connect 2 links at 2 High Speed switches on separated Core layer and connect one more
link at Internet Data Exchange of both of them.
4. The GIN Network will connect to Internet Data Exchange via 2 links from TOT
and CAT. Initially, the speed of link connecting Internet Data Exchange is 20 Mbps per each
link.
5. The Redundancy Network linkage of GIN Network will construct in highly
redundancy style. In other hand, there is the Back-up link from PMOC/MOC/DOC to GIN and
within GIN will have the network connecting in redundancy style between Access layer,
Distribution layer, and Core layer, as well as have redundancy between TOT and CAT.
Characteristic of Network
1. The Cooperate of TOT and CAT Network: TOT and CAT will operate together
linking in core layer which enable the network to have highly redundancy and availability. The
opportunity to dysfunction is very less to none. The 4 devices in core layer will install in
different places.
2. The connection between agencies: GIN Network will equip separated
VLAN/PVC of each 274 Access Node. Each Node will have own VLAN ID/PVC ID. The same
agency will have the same VLAN/PVC, so each agency will look as if having own network,
while not necessary to be in the same location and can have higher security.
3. The Internet Network in Access Node will link GIN Network through Metro
Ethernet Network of TOT and CAT in Load Balancing (per routing). It enable to have
Bandwidth in each Access Node totally 4 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 1Mbps for DOC, 20 Mbps for
MOC, and 800 Mbps for PMOC. TOT and CAT Networks are connecting with GIN as backup
to each other.
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3) IP-Star Broadband Satellite

IP STAR provides hi speed internet service via satellite, that type of
two-ways Broadband Internet always on for support internet service such as Video on
Demand and E-Learning. IPSTAR service could be Broadband Internet service because of no
limitation about coverage area service. IPSTAR can provide hi speed internet in business
area, urban area or even remote area that telephone line can not be accessed while other hi
speed internet system like ADSL or Cable Modem can provide service only a small area of
important business area of Bangkok. IPSTAR system also use small satellite dish that save
space in installation and no need to access by telephone line. It also connect internet in
always on mode that user not necessary to connect telephone line for use internet.
IPSTAR was designed to install a good performance and stability
signal transmission system and has efficiency transmission channel management system. It
made IPSTAR can apply for use with many application such as large signal transmission,
remote VDO conference via internet, voice service, broadcasting to organizations internal
network. It also be used for building wireless internet network in offices or residents both
large and small organizations (SMEs) that sometime want to use hi speed internet. It can also
be used to support education and health service.
Services from IPSTAR satellite system in Thailand
IPSTAR Network structure
Source : TOT Public Company Limited (TOT)

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Thailand has 5 Spot Beam, 1 Augment Beam and 1 Broadcast Beam

- Unicast Spot Beam, 3 Gbps
- Broadcast Beam, 98 Mbps
Source : TOT Public Company Limited (TOT)

46
In Thailand, a channel is about 3 Gbps (including receiver and

transmitter), IP Star consists of two equipment IP Star satellite and Ground system
1. IP Star satellite
2. Ground system
- IPSTAR User Terminal
Indoor Unit (IDU): Outdoor Unit (ODU):
- IPSTAR Gateway
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4) Community ICT learning centers

The "Establishment of ICT Community Learning Centers" project. This
project establishes ICT community learning centers that are suitable to the needs of the local
communities, so that they can access the Internet to search for data, enhance their body of
knowledge, and facilitate life-long learning. This project aims to train community specialists to
be knowledgeable and proficient in ICT so that they can operate the centers by themselves.
The centers are to be the reservoirs for local wisdoms and information that are useful for
everyday life and job creation, helpful to the community decision-making, supportive to the
philosophy of sufficiency economy, and provide access to the e-services, which would help
reducing the digital divide. As of 2010, 872 ICT community centers have been established
coverage area shows below
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The ICT community centers use ADSL at a speed 2 Mbps. and IP

STAR at a speed 1 Mbps. The future is the establishment of another 1,000 centers across
the country. This is during the purchasing materials / equipments of ICT Community Learning
Centers project in 2011
The MICT allocate the budget for the establishment of ICT learning
community for the construction of the center computer as well as network with the internet for
a year. The communities that are interested can download the document and the query, or fill
out forms and mail them to the MICT. Staff will check the readiness of the community from
the initial documents. If the communities are selected from the document. Initial the project
team will make appointment to future explore the availability in the area. To select the
community center and approval for budget. Communities must have a management and
budget plans. The Ministry of ICT will support the Internet communications and maintenance
costs for only one year later the community must support be staff. Generally the internet
speed of the center is 1 Mb. Normally it uses a high-speed Internet by wired ADSL but
without wire it uses a satellite Internet (IPSTAR) or Network CDMA. Therefore, in selecting
the community center Ministry will be considers the management plan, local and community
leaders, and center staff including cooperation within the community.
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7.2 CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (CAT)

7.2.1 Background
State-owned Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT) was set up in
1977 as the countrys sole provider of international direct dialing (IDD) to all regions except
neighboring countries, which fell under the jurisdiction of its sister (domestic) operator TOT.
Until recently, CAT had a monopoly over international telephony in
Thailand. However, the international calls market was opened to private operators in 2006.
This, together with the rivalry from TOT in IDD markets, has seen CATs share of Thailand's
international call revenues fall to 60% in 2008, down from 78% in 2007.
CATs mobile telecoms services in 51 northern and southern provinces are
provided under the CAT CDMA brand over a wholly-owned network based on CDMA2000
technology. In Thailand's 25 other provinces, CAT owns a 26% stake in Hutchison CAT
Wireless Multimedia (HCWM), a joint venture with Hong Kong-based Hutchison
Telecommunications International (HTIL). In addition, CAT launched 3G data services (based
on 1xEV-DO/3.5G Rev A technology) in June 2008, but the deployment remains limited to
northern and southern regions. By June 2009, total wireless subscriptions had reached 350
000 and 3G subscriptions had reached 20000. CAT's revenues from wireless services in
2008 totalled THB2.86 billion, up from THB2.16 billion in 2007.
CAT also provides broadband Internet access services in the form of ADSL
and SHDSL technologies. In March 2007, it launched the Hi-Net brand on a limited
geographical basis, offering 2Mbit/s (download) ADSL connections for users in selected areas
of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Khaen and Phuket. During the remainder of 2007 and into
2008, CAT continued to expand the availability of its broadband service, whilst upgrading
maximum download speeds to 4Mbit/s.
CAT has run WiMAX trials with ZTE using the 2.5GHz frequency band.
Whilst waiting for the issuing of commercial WiMAX licences, CAT has also announced plans
to invest THB6 billion to install FTTB (fibre to the building) in select urban areas, initially
targeting 300000 subscribers with a monthly service fee of THB1000
7.2.2 Basic information on the of Broadband services
Broadband and Internet Services of CAT
1. Communication and information System via Satellite
- International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) : use for
communication across countries in India ocean and Pacific ocean area
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- INMARSAT : use for communication between client devices and network or between
existing public telephone exchanges
- THAICOM : use for link communication between domestic users and for link with
server station for communication with other countries.
Moreover CAT co-invest in other satellite communication projects such as ASIA Cellular
Satellite (ACeS), Global Star, Odyssey, etc
2. International Submarine Cable Systems
- Thailand-Vietnam-Hong Kong : T-V-H
- Fiber Link Around the Globe : FLAG
- Thailand-Malaysia : M-T
- Asia Pacific Cable Network : APCN
- South East Asia Middle East Western Europe3 : SEA-ME-WE3
- South East Asia Middle East Western Europe4 : SEA-ME-WE4
3. Submarine cable station : Petburi, Songka, Chonburi, Satoon Provinces
4. Land Signaling System
CAT currently use fiber optic cable network for main communication network both
domestic and across countries. Fiber optic cable network and microwave communication
system have been installed nationwide. Its also link with International gateway via underwater
cables across countries and satellite system. And the system link to neighbors like Myanmar,
Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.
By using high speed communication technology called (Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing) the main network can communicate with speed at 400 Gbps. Its also use ASON
technology that can support Multi-failure in devices and fiber optic network because of
protection and restoration system that run automatically. Its make the system high reliability
and having many classes of service for different demand of customers. Moreover it use Next
generation SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) that can service leased circuit and use
Ethernet system that can support utilization in high bandwidth efficiently. Currently, this
system is the core for services of CAT in phone service, CAT CDMA, communication services
and internet access.
5. Backbone network in Thailand : SDH, DWDM, Optical Fiber Network, CDMA and
IPSTAR
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6. Name of broadband and internet to rural area

- Hi net service
- CAT Corporate Internet service
- OnNet service (FTTx)
- WiFi service
- CDMA service (Moblie Internet)
7.2.3 Plans and projects for Broadband Development
Broadband Business Investment Plans/Projects
1. Private Leased Circuit Node Expansion Plan
Additional nodes will be installed in Bangkok and its perimeters, as well as provincial
areas, in order to boost efficiency and expand the extent of our private leased circuit services.
2. IP Core Network Expansion Plan
The main network providing IP-based services that can cover all areas (not including
access network) is a vital factor that can be utilized for various related services and can also
benefit from the multiservice on a single IP network principle. This can be achieved by
boosting the speed of the core network and connections between the nodes and core
network, as well as expanding service areas under the IP Core Network to encompass the
entire country.
3. Wireline Access Network Expansion Plan
The network to provide customer services in wireline systems can be connected from the
core network to distribute and boost service efficiency and quality nationally. It can handle
various telecommunication more services requiring large capacities and high speeds such as
domestic and international high-speed leased circuit services, international telephone
services, frame link services, broadband Internet services, etc
4. Wireless Access Network Expansion Plan
The network providing customer services in wireless systems can be connected from the
core network to distribute and boost service efficiency and quality nationally without the need
for the installation of new cables. This is mainly for customers in the corporate, residential
and SME sectors, as well as those living in areas where CATs wirelines were not available.
5. Metro Network Expansion Plan
This is to expand high-speed services in urban and economic areas for customers in the
corporate, government, education and SME sectors, as well as to be capable of handling
telecommunication services requiring larger capacities and higher speeds.
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6. Domestic Link Network System Development Plan

This is to build a network infrastructure linking the optical-fiber cables in provincial areas
to increase coverage for future service expansion and to serve as alternative routes to help
boost the networks stability and reliability more effectively, thus increasing users satisfaction.
7. Outside Plant Improvement and Maintenance Plan for Bangkok and its Vicinity
This is to improve and upgrade the capacity of the connection system and optical fiber
and copper cable networks in Bangkok and its perimeter, making them more efficient and
capable of meeting the demand for larger-capacity and higher-speed communications. It is
also to expand the cable networks for more extensive coverage nationwide.
8. Asia-America Gateway Submarine Cable Project
This is to boost the number of circuits connecting from Southeast Asian countries to the
United States in order to be able to handle all types of telecommunications including
multimedia, internet and broadband services, which need wide bandwidth to accommodate
high speed transmission of data. This involves co-investment in submarine optical fiber cables
of at least 640 Gbps per fiber pair utilizing the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) and
Densed Wavelength Division Multiplex (DWDM) technologies.
9. IP Network Development Plan
This is to boost the efficiency of the network to be able to handle data transmission at a
higher speed through the expansion of the networks bandwidth to accommodate
higherspeed connections and the Next Generation Access Network nationwide as well as to
expand number of ports to handle clients in the residential, corporate, SME and multinational
enterprise sectors, etc.
10. Access Network Equipment Development Plan.
This is to boost the networks flexibility and customizability and to improve and maintain
transmission equipment, spare parts, synchronization equipment, multiplexer and all other
necessary support equipment for situations on top of the annual investment budget to meet
customers requirement and thus maximizing customer satisfaction.
11. Thailand Post Replacement Node Procurement Plan
This is to procure new locations for nodes currently installed inside Thailand Post offices
in Bangkok and its vicinity in order to increase convenience and speed in inspection,
maintenance, and repair of telecommunication equipment and to prepare new locations for
future expansion.
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Wireless Business Investment Plans/Projects

1. Provincial CDMA 2000 - 1X Mobile Phone Project
This is to expand base stations and repeaters in addition to those implemented in the
first phase. Coverage areas will be extended to meet demands and increase customer
satisfaction.
2. CDMA Mobile Phone Network Expansion Plan
This is to expand the coverage areas and capacity of voice and data services of the
CDMA system as well as to improve service quality and meet the demands for high-speed
wireless Internet and multimedia use, in line with our vision of Being the leader in domestic
wireless multimedia services.
7.2.4 Direction of Broadband Development
CAT expect to development of Wireless service for people with low price,
that is development of internet for rural area by network of CAT as well as Wi-Fi service for
around 190 Bath/month at speed 2 Mbps. Budget to development of that CAT could ask from
USO for implement that also set up internet via satellite in rural area. Although, CAT has
implementation of GIN network, set up of backbone and network system but CAT has
concern on IP Core technology, that support broadband development and survey of market
trend broadband access by them and consultant every year.
Consequently, CAT has implemented the high-speed broadband project
utilizing such new technologies as Fiber-To-The-X (FTTx), WiMAX, HSPA and CDMA2000
1xEV-DO Rev. A as technologies of choice, thus enabling Thailand to have a high-speed
broadband network for use at fair prices and help reduce spending among customers as well.
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7.3 TOT Public Company Limited (TOT)

7.3.1 Background
TOT is a state-owned company operating under the Ministry of Information
and Communication Technology. It was first established in 1954 to provide local and long-
distance fixed-line telephony services. TOT has control over the bulk of fixed-line
infrastructure in Thailand, through its own network, and through those built by TT&T and True
Corp under BTO agreements signed in the early 1990s.
TOT operates under a universal service obligation (USO), which obliges it
to provide access to potential customers across the country. In more populated areas, it
offers domestic fixed-line voice and data services through asymmetric digital subscriber lines
(ADSL), integrated services digital network (ISDN) and cable technologies. In more remote
areas of the country, it utilizes a range of wireless technologies such as code division multiple
access (CDMA), and satellite technologies in partnership with Thaicom. In addition to fixed
voice and data services, TOT also provides international direct dialing (IDD) services, leased
line and data services for businesses, a VoIP service Y-tel 1234, and pre-paid cards offering
both voice calls and Internet access under the Netphone brand.
TOT owns and operates nationwide Internet protocol (IP) networks on
which voice over IP (VoIP), Internet and IP virtual private network (IP VPN) services are run.
Utilizing these networks, the company rolled out innovative services for both businesses and
residential users. In 2004 TOT introduced commercial ADSL and wireless local area network
(WLAN, through Wi-Fi) Internet access services. Metro LAN networks, which provided
businesses with high-speed building to building access, followed in 2005, offering
transmission speeds ranging from 2Mbit/s to 1Gbit/s, at a lower cost than asynchronous
transfer mode (ATM) services. As of June 2009, TOT operated 74 public Wi-Fi broadband
hotspots in Bangkok and 17 other cities.
Broadband Internet access generated around 9% of TOTs revenues in
2007, with the service generating revenues of an estimated THB4.4 billion during 200829,
representing a broadly unchanged percentage of total revenue from 2007. TOT has signed up
broadband end-users steadily over the last year, up from 460,000 DSL subscribers at the end
of March 2008 to approximately 680,000 in twelve months later. TOT currently offers ADSL
broadband services of up to 4Mbit/s download speed and 512kbit/s upstream.
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7.3.2 Basic information on the services of Broadband

Broadband and Internet Services of TOT
General network line of TOT In 2010 shows below
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57
The above diagram shows detail about fiber optic cable line in metropolitan area
The above map shows fiber optic cable line in local area
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IPSTAR application of TOT

1. Public telephone service
- IPSTAR for Rural Phone Network
2. Mobile phone services
- Access mobile phone in the emergency case or in high traffic area
- Be a initial way to access before building fiber optic network
- Apply for working with mobile phone
3. Communication and information transferring service
- OPTICAL FIBER Are as follows Leased Line, DDN, IDSN, Frame Relay, ATM, ADSL
and IPVPN
- IPSTAR can be used in the area that communication line or fiber optic cant access
4. Internet service
Broadband Internet service via IP STAR in general way that shows below
- E-Learning
- Video On Demand (VOD)
- Interactive Internet TV (IP2 TV)
- Public Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi Hotspot)
- Internet & Extranet (VPN)
- Voice Over IP (VoIP)
- iPSTAR Broadband Access Basic Diagram
5. Video Conferencing and VDO Broadcasting service
- Video Conferencing
- Tele-Education
- Tele-Medicine
- Multicast File Transfer
- E-Learning
- IPSTAR Video Conferencing Application(VDC)
Example of customer of TOT and Solution
1. IPSTAR network access equipment
2. ADsl Backhaul IPSTAR
3. BAY Network
4. THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
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7.3.3 Policy on Broadband Development

TOT moves its business to high speed internet service both via cable and
wireless that top-up the existing voice service. TOT wants to keep customer base of voice
service and try to make more benefit from potentially fast growing business. It tries to make
additional profit from high speed internet service and information communication service
especially ADSL service. TOT plan to have 3G mobile phone service while develop other
wireless broadband technology such as IPSTAR, Wi-Fi etc. These can provide broadband
service nationwide that create strong point for TOT service. TOT has also focused on the
development of infrastructure and more efficient preparing for more service and make
confidence to customers. TOT as Network Provider and Telecoms Service Provider has a
plan to change general network to completely IP-based that make TOT can give ICT Solution
for customers to meet its mission both commercial and government policies. And TOT is also
engaged in USO projects to install fixed telephone line and Internet in rural area for over
1,300 schools across the country.
In 2010 TOT will finish new broadband IP network for support Next
Generation Network (NGN) at Transport Network level that increase potential of the network
and support increasing customer demand for multimedia service according to TOTs future
business direction. TOT need to install IP network equipment and communication device for
switching from the old network to new one.
7.3.4 Plans and projects for Broadband Development
Plan for expanding high speed internet service is important project that
build TOT potential network according to business plan. It can support customer demand that
tend to use IT service like transfer pictures and videos. High demand makes TOT accelerate
an improvements and installation of additional equipments to expand areas of high speed
internet access to District level in all areas across the country. Objective of the plan is to
finish installation of 577,000 million high speed internet ports within 2011. It can make more
profit and make TOT as a leader in this business. Moreover it will improve development of IT
infrastructure of Thailand.
7.3.5 Direction of Broadband Development
In the future TOT has a plan to build 3G mobile phone network making
mobile phone services support voice and data transfer at high speed. It can also support
added service in the future and make organization more competitiveness. At the meeting
dated 28 September 2010, the Cabinet agreed to TOT request for expanding network to
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coverage nationwide with budget of 19,980 million Baht. TOT will run the project building
5,320 base stations of 3G mobile phone in metropolitan and regional areas to cover all
provinces across country. This can let other service providers to rent the network for their
businesses without any redundancy of investment and meet the needs of increasing
Broadband Wireless Services.
7.4 National telecommunication commission of Thailand (NTC)
7.4.1 Policy and Duties
The Policy of NTC
The NTC is the first independent state telecommunications regulator. Its
duties and responsibilities are to regulate all telecommunications services in the country
through formulating a Master Plan on Telecommunications Activities, setting criteria and
categories of telecommunications services, permitting and regulating the use of spectrum for
telecommunications services, and granting licenses to the telecommunications operators.
At the outset, the NTC started mapping out its action plan which is aimed
at regulating and promoting telecommunications services in the country on a free and fair
basis. The action plan focuses on creating transparency and non-discrimination in
telecommunications services, enhancing public participation, balancing and making the best
use of telecommunications resources, building telecommunications technology to support
sustainable growth of domestic telecommunications industry. The following 11 important
policies were formulated by the NTC as a guideline for governing telecommunications
services in the country.
1. Frequency Management: Allocate fair distribution and efficient use of
frequency for the ultimate benefit of the citizen and the country.
2. Competition: Support market mechanisms to generate fair competition
in telecommunications market and relevant industry.
3. Licensing: Grant licenses to promote free and fair competition and to
prevent anti-competitive conduct.
4. Internet: Promote widespread Internet provision with the lowest charge
or license fee exemption.
5. Licensing and Enforcement: Regulate telecommunications business
operation on a fair competitive basis to ensure that service charges can compete with those
at a regional level; and that the services are of good quality.
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6. Interconnection: Establish rules for interconnection charge on a fair

cost-based basis.
7. Telecommunication Numbering: Allocate efficient and adequate
telecommunications numbers for network expansion and assign special number for public
actives, national security and emergency.
8. Universal Service Access: Strive for equal and universal service
access throughout the country.
9. Industry Promotion: Promote competitiveness of telecommunication
industry at national and international levels by supporting research and development, and
telecommunications equipment manufacturing.
10. Consumer Protection: Set measures that allow consumers to have
choices of telecommunications services with standard quality and fair price.
11. Human Resource Development: Promote human resource
development for NTC staff.
Duties and Responsibilities of NTC
1. To set policy and formulate Master Plan on Telecommunications
Development.
2. To set criteria and categories of telecommunications services.
3. To permit and regulate the use of spectrum for telecommunications
services.
4. To grant license for and regulate telecommunication services.
5. To set telecommunications licensing requirements and procedures.
6. To set standards and required technical specifications.
7. To set interconnection principles and process.
8. To formulate telecommunications tariff structure and services.
9. To formulate and manage a numbering plan.
10. To formulate criteria on consumer protection.
11. To formulate measures to assure individual privacy and freedom in
communication.
12. To formulate criteria for protection and the right to provide
telecommunications services.
13. To formulate measures to prevent monopolization or unfair
competition.
14. To formulate measures to promote fair and free competition.
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15. To promote telecommunications and IT training and human resources

development.
16. To promote research and development in telecommunications, IT,
telecommunications industry and related industries.
17. To set rules on the establishment of NTC, personnel management,
budget, finance and asset and other NTCs activities.
18. To approve NTCs expenses including fund to be set aside under
Section 51.
19. To submit its annual reports to the Cabinet, the House of
representatives and the Senate and make them widely known to public.
20. To give advices to the government on telecommunications services
both on national and international levels.
21. To perform other acts as provided by law.
7.4.2 Plans and projects of Broadband Development
1. Pilot projects in developing information technology systems for
education in general secondary schools
2. Tele-Center for Education and Rural Development (Pilot Project)
3. Tele-Health in rural area
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7.4.3 Direction on Broadband Development

promote the development of an open, vibrant, sustainable and
competitive broadband market through:
- ensuring the supply of appropriate telecoms infrastructure across the
nation, covering local access networks, core networks and
international connectivity
- prioritizing the development of the regulatory framework to allow
access to existing telecoms infrastructure on an open and non-
discriminatory basis where appropriate
encourage the private sector to lead the development of the sector,
leveraging the public sector where required, including making the best
use of public-sector funds to maximize value for money
drive broadband take-up through:
- educating both businesses and consumers to the benefits of
broadband
- lowering barriers to subscribing to broadband services
- encouraging the development of local content and applications
7.4.4 Challenging issue
After the ruling by the Administration Court on the power to allocate 3G
frequency, NTC have to evaluate its authority related to telecommunication. As the
Constitution, only one authority shall be responsible for the telecommunication services. So
the roles and duties of NTC has to be redefined some of the work are hauled waiting for the
establishment of NBTC.
64
7.5 Ministry of Public Health (MOH)

Organization structure
7.5.1 Scope of operations

- 154,413 Medical Staffs
- 25 Regional Hospitals
- 69 General Hospitals
- 726 Community Hospitals
- 75 Provincial Health Offices
- 950 District Health Offices
- 9,761 Health Centers
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The map shows hospital locations

66
7.5.2 Structure of Health Data Flows

Glossary
- Provincial Information System : ProvIS
- Hospital Information System : H.I.S
- Health Centre Information System : J.H.C.I.S
- Personal Information System : P.I.S
- Data Warehouse
- Epidemiology (Meta Cube)
- Most of new Application will be Web Application.

- Develop by PHP and MySql.
- And hope these will lead to ERA of Web Health Services.
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A database management system (DBMS) is computer software designed

for the purpose of managing databases. Typical examples of DBMSs include Oracle,
Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL. DBMSs are typically used by Database administrators in the
creation of Database systems. A database administrator (DBA) is a person who is responsible
for the environmental aspects of a database. In general, these include:
- Recoverability - Creating and testing Backups
- Integrity - Verifying or helping to verify data integrity
- Security - Defining and/or implementing access controls to the data
- Availability - Ensuring maximum uptime
- Performance - Ensuring maximum performance given budgetary
constraints
- Development and testing support - Helping programmers and
engineers to efficiently utilize the database.
The role of a database administrator has changed according to the
technology of database management systems (DBMSs) as well as the needs of the owners of
the databases. Requests for information from a database are made in the form of a query,
which is a stylized question. For example, the query SELECT ALL WHERE NAME =
"SMITH" AND AGE > 35 requests all records in which the NAME field is SMITH and the
AGE field is greater than 35. The set of rules for constructing queries is known as a query
language.
Broadband development for health in Thailand defined in Master Plan of
Information and Communication Technology of Thailand BE 2552 - BE 2556 , Section 3 of
infrastructure development of ICT for Health Centers in rural area, Which could be connect
internet at 4 Mbps and Tele center.
7.5.4 Computer Network in Ministry of Public Health
Network Components
- Server
- Client or Workstation
- Communication Equipment ( LAN Card, Hub, Bridge, Switch, Router )
- Transmission Media ( Coaxial, UTP, Fiber Optic )
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PSTN Link System
Dial-up with Modem (Local Call)
Local Area Network (LAN)
MoPHs Campus Network
Leased Line Circuit Link (Permanent)
Leased Line INTERNET

Modem Modem
Router Router
Hub Hub
Server PC Access Server Access Server PC Server
Modem Modem
Modem Modem
PSTN PSTN
Modem Modem
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Frame Relay Link (Permanent)
INTERNET
Frame Relay
Router & Multiplexer Router & Multiplexer
Hub Hub
PBX PBX
Server PC Access Server Access Server PC Server
Modem Modem
Modem Modem
PSTN PSTN
Modem Modem
Accessing to MoPHs Network
Usage of Broadband for health

- Broadband network
- 75 Provincial Health Offices are used broadband connection through VPN (TOT
network) 1 Mbps.
- 80% of Hospitals are used broadband connection through VPN (CAT network) start
at 512 kbps.
- Community Hospital/government clinic are used broadband connection (For ADSL
should more than 2 Mbps.) more than 300 place or equivalent 3%
70
- Hospital/Health office/clinic are used broadband connection (For ADSL should more
than 2 Mbps.)
- Barrier of broadband network for Medical application
- 3 main problem :1. Coverage 2. Performance 3. Cost
- Ministry of medical doesnt have own network. Quality will depend on government or
private service.
- Wireless internet (Satellite) may be require for remote area.
WiMAX Application
The WiMAXs pilot project was undertaken at Chiengkhong Crown Prince
Hospital, Chiangrai Province, using frequency Interference at 2.500 GHz. 2.520 GHz. during
January December, 2009. It connected Internet with ADSL at 2 Mbps via GateWay at Base
Station. The result revealed that government clinic get average transfer speed of 1/6.7 Mbps
(Upload/Download) which is capable for voice and video transmission. And, the limits for
mobility station are movement speed was limited at 40km/hr and coverage area at 3km from
base station.
Barriers of WiMAX implementation are 1) WiMAX has not been allocated
the frequency and it is not clear how to proceed with this technology since it depends on
relevant authorities 2) price of WiMAX equipment and maintenance are still high.
7.5.5 Plans and projects on Broadband Development
e-Health
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The World Health Organization broadly defines eHealth as the use of

information and communication technologies (ICT) for health. eHealth has the potential to
address inequities in health systems and services in developing and developed countries. Its
applications span across a wide range of areas such as the use of ICT to:
- store, process, and transmit patient information and manage the diverse
clinical, administrative and financial information generated in hospitals.
- provide mechanisms for diagnostics and treatment between health
professionals separated by distance
- build capacity by offering health sciences training and continuing
education courses online to students
Foundation actions
- eHealth foundation actions include mechanisms which help build an
enabling environment for the successful use of ICT for health.
- These can include a supportive eHealth policy framework; attention to
rationale infrastructure development; a cohesive and cost-effective
approach to procurement; adequate funding in line with country
program objectives; building enduring.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine (also known as telehealth) falls under the broader term of
eHealth and involves the delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor.
The telemedicine approach uses information and communication
technologies for the exchange of information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of
diseases and for the continuing education of healthcare providers. Some of the more
established fields of telemedicine include, teleradiology, teledermatology, telepathology.
The WiMAXs Pilot Project at Chiengkhong Crown Prince Hospital,
Chiangrai Province, during January December, 2009
There are 4s in the Project.
1. Chiangkhong Crown Prince Hospital
2. Satan PCU/Health Center
3. ThungNgiew PCU/Health Center
4. Nammah PCU/Health Center
5. Chiangkhong District, Chiangrai Province
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Network
Network Configure as HOT SPOT within 5 km. radius (for Fixed Subscriber) and within 1
km. radius (for Mobile)
2 groups of Equipment
- WiMAX Equipment (IEEE 802.16e-2005)
- Video Telephony System : IP Phone, IP Camera, ASN-GW Server, Router and
Switching
Average Speed Testing (FTP Upload/Download w/ Base Station)
1. ER Room 100 m. 1.0/7.1 Mbps.
2. Satan PCU 3 km. 1.1/6.6 Mbps.
3. ThungNgiew 4 km. 1.0/6.3 Mbps.
4. Nammah PCU 5 km. 0.2/2.5 Mbps.
Over All 1.0/6.7 Mbps.
- Utilization - Medical Consultation (InterActive by IP Phone and IP Camera)
In concept of medical consultation within their own district PCUs Nurse consult to
Medical Doctor or Health Staff consult to Nurse. Average case is 1.3 case per day.
Most consultation is Diseases of the Circulatory System. Need to fix this problem :
Medical and Drug Supplies in Health Center/PCU.
- Satisfaction :
Users (Health Staff) please to use the system to communicate in their WiMAX Network
and also surf the WebSite.
- Research on telecommunication technology in rural area
The study of different technologies (ADSL, CDMA, IPStar, GPRS/Edge) reviewed that
ADSL is the most satisfaction technology; in contrast to IPStar which has a low upload speed
and it is also unstable. The satellite cannot transmit moving picture effectively. The speed
shall not be less than 1 Mbps.
The investment for telemedicine is very high. However, every health center
shall have telemedicine either wired or wireless with speed of at least 1 Mbps so that voice
and picture can be transmitted. The mixture of existing and new technology shall be used to
fulfill the objectives.
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7.6 Ministry of Education (MOE)

Ministry of Education has the policy on network development for education
(Ned Net). By setting up a private technology institution under the supervision of the Ministry
of Education, the organization is to provide network for every office and school under the
Ministry. The main mission is to provide internet for education and research, be a learning
resources to promote e-learning and teleconference, IP television, center for information and
education management.
7.6.2 Computer Network in Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education has education project on connection every office with
4 Gbps. This project is called National Education Network or NEdNet. It will connect all
education centers around 35,000 locations and 20,000 remote education centers as shown in
MOENET Network Diagram.
MOENET Network Diagram

74
7.6.3 Plans and projects on Broadband Development

Ministry of Education set mission to connect NEdNet network with UniNet
(university network). It will enhance efficiency and up grade bandwidth to 10 Gbps. Due to
currently 4,000 school and institute are out of internet connection. Some of them need to pay
for renting network value at 12 million baht per year. For example:
- IP-Star(2Mbps) cost 1,900 baht per station (One station is support 10
PCs)
- Leased line (for VEC) at 4 Mbps cost 9,000 baht per station (One
station is support around 300-400 PCs)
- xDSL cost 1,200 baht per station (One station is support 80 PCs)
CRI1
CRI2
PYO1
PYO2
MHN PAI
NAN
LPG1
NKI2
NKI1
PRE
LPN NNOM2
LOEI1
UTT
LPG2
UDI(L,R) SKN2 NNOM1
PLK2 LOEI2
SKN1(L,R)
SKT
Nongbualamboo
TAK PLK1(L,R)
PBOON2 KSIN
KKN2
KPP(L,R)
CPHUM MHAN
Phichit Yasothon
KKN1(L,R) Roiet
AMREN
MKAM
PBOON1
NSN(L,R)
UTN1
NSM2
UTN2
SING
CNAT LBRI
NSM1 (L,R) Ubon(L,R)
Surin Sisaket
SPBI2(L,R) SRRI Burirum
ATG
SPBI1 AYA1(L,R) AYA2

KCRI NYOK
Prajinburi
PTI1 PTI2
RTRI
NPT(L,R) Sakeo
CCO
SSKON
SSKAM
Chonburi CHBRI2
PTR1(L,R)
CHBRI1
RYG
PTRI2
Trat
PCP3
PCP1
NON To chachoengsao (CCO)

PCP2
To patumthani (PTI1(L,R))
BSE
CPN HMK
RNG1
PYT 1,2 BKN (L,R)
PYT (L,R) PTW (L,R)
RNG2
BMD (L,R) PSM (L,R)
TPJ
To nakornpathom
PNG1 SRT(L,R)
SLY
To samutprakarn
PNG2
To samutsakorn
PNG3
NSIRAT
PKT
Krabi
Legend
Trang Metropolitan Area
PTLG
DWDM NODE
Core Router
Pattani
SKA(L,R)
STOOL
Yala Distribute Router

Old Distribute Router
Dark Fiber
Narathiwat
NEdNet Backbone (UniNet2)
NEdNet Backbone Network

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Network management following OSI model standard

In the future Ministry of Education is going to work on project of wide area
wireless internet access (WiMAX), it will gain efficiency and reduce cost. The development
must be the network for non-commercialize (education only) and it has to cover wider
bandwidth for support higher traffic at low cost.
Integrated Internet Bandwidth (IIB)

76
Last Mile Connectivity
Other Last Mile Technology
At Present
- DWDM
- IP Star
- ADSL
- CDMA
- APLS
In Future
- WIMAX
- WIFI
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7.7 National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)

7.7.1 Background
The National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) was
established on 16 September 1986, initially as a project under the Office of Permanent
Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Energy (the former name of the Ministry of
Science and Technology).
In 1991, following the enactment of the Science and Technology
Development Act of 1991 NECTEC was transformed into a specialized national center under
the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), a new agency under
the Ministry of Science and Technology.
NECTEC's main responsibilities are to undertake, support and promote the
development of electronics and computer technologies through research and development
activities. NECTEC also provides a linkage between research communities and industries
through the established industrial clusters.
Vision
Being a core organization collaborating with alliances in R&D of electronics and
computer technologies for strengthening sustainability of Thai industries and sufficiency
society
Missions
NECTEC contributes to the development of Thailand's capability in electronics and
computer technologies through:
- Research, development, design and engineering
- Technology transfer to industries and communities
- Human resource development
- Policy research and industrial intelligence and knowledge infrastructure
Research Laboratories
Industrial Capacity Building Group (ICB)
- Embedded System Technology Laboratory (EST)
- Industrial Control and Automation Laboratory (ICA)
- Open Source Software Laboratory (OSS)
- Digital Media Lab (DML)
- Software Engineering Laboratory (SWE)
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- Computer and Peripheral Testing Laboratory (CPTL)

Platform Technology Capacity Building Group (PTB)
- Nano-Electronics and MEMs Laboratory (MEMs)
- Optical and Quantum Communications Laboratory (OQC)
- Wireless Innovations and Security Laboratory (WIS)
- Network Technology Laboratory (NTL)
- Knowledge Elicitation and Archiving Laboratory (KEA)
- Large Scale Simulation Research Laboratory (LSR)
- Human Language Technology Laboratory (HLT)
- Image Technology Laboratory (IMG)
- Biomedical Signal Processing Laboratory (BSP)
- Photonics Technology Laboratory (PTL)
Policy and Strategy for the Information Economy and Society Research Group (PSR)
- Strategy Research & Industry Indicator Division (SRI)
- Ethical Legal and Social Impact of Information Technology Research Division
(ELS)
Electronics, Computer, and Information Technology for Social Research Group
(ESR)
- Rehabilitative Engineering and Assistive Technology Institute Laboratory
(REAT)
R&D Special Projects Group (RSP)
- Thailand Microelectronic Center (TMEC)
Collaborations
To pursue the NSTDA's vision of being a key partner in developing a knowledge-
based society through the application of science and technology, creating partnership is
considered to be a strategy of NECTEC in both global and regional levels.
There are not only the public and private sectors, but also academies and the
society considered to be NECTEC's partners for researching and developing technological
capability aimed for the national economic and social development.
NECTEC has considered that building the R&D partnership with leading research
institutes in the international forums will strengthen NECTEC's capacity in electronics and
computer technologies. The main strategies of NECTEC's international affairs aimed for
supporting R&D in electronics and computer technologies, developing human resources and
79
sharing knowledge. The joint research projects are undertaken in NECTEC of which main
activities are the expert exchange and training courses. NECTEC researchers can develop
and improve their technological skills through the R&D collaborations with strategic partners
that will elevate the quality of NECTEC researchers and disseminate NECTEC's profile in the
international forums.
NECTEC has promoted and supported both bilateral and multilateral cooperations
with strategic partners through various forms such as the memorandum of understanding
(MoU), memorandum of cooperation (MoC), agreement, or contracts.
Regarding the activities concerning the internet of the country, they are under the
responsibilities of the Telecommunications Research and Development Division : RDT which
is under National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). They are
responsible for the research and study relevant to telecommunication technology in order to
obtain the policy and plans as appropriate to the demand of the country. They cooperate with
the many institutes as research, academic, industry, and private segments so that there could
be the research network to strongly develop telecommunication engineer. Furthermore, they
work with the private segments by transferring the technology to the business and industry of
the country. The development project concerning broadband of the country can be presented
as follows.
1. Rural Wireless Broadband Access
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2. Wireless Broadband for Community

Rural Wireless Broadband Access (RWBA)
RWBA is the project to develop wireless broadband communication system on Thai
s internet protocol (IP) technology initiated by NECTEC. The objective is to reduce digital
divide problem, expand the internet and telephone service to community and rural area.
(Wireless Local Loop - WLL) The cost is around 2,000 Baht per one unit per one subscriber.
Wireless Local Loop is the system that provides wireless link connection between
telephone subscriber and PSTN. Each subscriber will be easily connected to Cell Station by
wireless instead of the wire-line link.
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Advantage of Wireless Local Loop

Wireless Local Loop supports basic
telephone service in rural area that has low density
of people. In compare with wire-line telephone
network or copper drop wire, Wireless local loop can
save cost and time due to network installation.
Besides that, it is more easily and rapidly to
increase or decrease the subscriber for each area.
No need to further usage planning for 5-10 years
like wire-line telephone network.
7.8 Private sector

7.8.1 Advanced info service public company limited (AIS)
AIS expressed opinion on Broadband development that IP STAR satellite is
price suitable, and it can support rapid growth of mobile broadband in urban and rural area.
The demand is generated by laptop users together with applications and content development
in the internet value chain.
In case of 3G, infrastructure needs to be improved. However, an
investment is higher than demand projection. Only 3 countries; Japan, Korea and USA, of
which have more than 50% demand projection. The investment can be wasted if customers
do not realize the potential values.
In part of International roaming and multiple networks crossed borders, they
earn high margins. AIS concerns for Thai government on the realization of the appropriate
technology and flexibility.
82
7.8.2 True corporation public company limited (TRUE)

TRUE have expressed its opinion on the following issues:
Barriers to broadband service development:
1. Cost per port is high due to connection cost from internet hub to International Gateway.
In the past it was monopoly by state enterprises, CAT and TOT
2. In 2008 NTC gave out free competition on international gateway and international private
leased circuit, however, the Submarine cable station is belonged to CAT, as a result,
making CAT gains a supreme market position (SMP) over the others.
3. CAT sets up high price for the rental circuit force IIG to use land bordering connection
through Malaysia and Singapore making Thailand become less competitive as the
telecommunication hub.
4. Currently internet broadband traffic including international bandwidth of IIG is totaled at
158 Gbps (August 2010) of which 30% via CAT, the rest goes through Malaysia. So the
country looses out about 3,000 million Baht per year.
5. When comparing cost of 1 Mbps bandwidth international connection, in Singapore it
costs 1,500 Baht/month, in Hong Kong 1,000 Baht/month, in USA 300 Baht/month, while
in Thailand, it costs 5,000-7,000 Baht/month, and before the free competition on IIG, it
was 23,000 Baht/month.
6. Such high cost results in high price for internet users, and it is a major obstacle for
expansion of high speed internet network to rural areas. Therefore, we need to reduce
the monopoly on international gateway by CAT.
7. We should force CAT to share Essential Facilities of submarine cable station and reduce
the charge to ISP at cost based.
8. As a result, ISP would expand more international channels, give a better services, gain
more users, and in turn, CAT would receive higher volume to compensate for the
reduction in price.
9. Overall, it would be the benefit for development of internet services and ICT industry.
Access to rural area (Last miles)
1. The permits for frequency allocation are not finalized due to the political reasons.
2. Majority of broadband is still on wired line whose limitation is the availability of cable
access to users.
3. Cost per number is about 15,000 Baht and even more in rural area. Also encounter right
of way problem.
83
4. Fixed line penetration rate is 24% and only 10.7% is used for broadband access. The
remaining of 76% need to have new wireless technology such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX,
which has lower cost per number and faster penetration rate.
5. However, the duty of frequency allocation belongs to NTC and government policy.
6. Cost of having allocated frequency shall not be high so that the operators cannot
maintain business profitability while providing the services to people and country.
Content services
1. Most contents are currently for entertainment so that the broadband development would
not create high benefits for social, health, and education aspects.
2. It is necessary to create more contents that suitable for students, general people,
businesses, and public health.
3. Government should subsidize Content Service Providers in order to generate good
contents so that it will truly transform the country to the knowledge based society
Broadband services
True Corporation provides high speed internet in Bangkok and vicinity. The company is
working on extending the services to every area of the country. The time frame in network
expansion is depending on conditions.
Affiliation of the True Corp
- True Internet (TI) - License type 1 Internet Service Provider
- True Universal Convergence (TUC) License type 3 having its own network for
broadband services throughout the country
- True Internet Gateway (TIG) - service connection to internet exchange both domestic
and international
TRUEs Broadband subscribers (2 rd quarter 2010)
- Broadband internet users 751,000
- WiFi users 400,000
- International Bandwidth 25 Gbps / Domestic Bandwidth 80 Gbps
- Range of bandwidth offer to subscribers 6 Mbps to 50 Mbps
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7.8.3 Non governmental organization (NGO)

Thai Netizen Network
Ms. Supinya Klangnarong is a representative of Thai Netizen Network that is a group of
people come together to work on policy promotion for Thailand. Its purpose is to promote
cyber-liberty along with netizens rights and freedom of online media. The Group gives
comment that theres still lack of ability to access Broadband in the rural area of Thailand.
From work experience shows that most of rural area of Thailand cannot get access the
internet. Nowadays, internet accessibility is a critical factor of living. Because of this reason
internet access should be reached to every village. It must be a basic infrastructural service
including Broadband service shall be provided via wire or wireless systems with good quality.
This can provide useful information and knowledge for youths and also support citizens in
both daily life and career such as marketing for local OTOP product, e-commerce, etc.
Government seems not to have a clear policy about hi speed internet network and
infrastructure development in rural area, especially on Broadband policy. In the other side,
private sector are providing hi speed internet service only in some area and deny other area
by the claims of not having enough valuation for investment. Thai Netizen Network has
promoted and supported hi speed internet accessibility in remote area by cooperate with NTC
in both Broadband and Wi-Fi projects. However these projects do not have a clear positive
result. For these projects to be success, it should be supported and cooperated by many
institutes especially the government. And the public should realize the right to receive from
the government such as the right to access internet network with appropriate speed and fair
price. Its necessary to provide knowledge and information about technologies and social
network on internet along with ways of utilization of the stuffs in education, health service and
career.
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8. Stakeholder Analysis and Background Information Status Broadband Development

in Rural Area
Stakeholders in Thailand Telecommunication as follow
- MICT
- CAT
- TOT
- MOH
- MOE
- NTC
- NGO
- Private sector
8.1 Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT)
e-Commerce
- Current Situation of e-Commerce in Thailand. : In 2009, the e-Commerce
business is growing continuously especially in Fashion, Costume and
Jewelry industry.
GIN
- Most organizations do not use GIN network because of different standards.
IP-Star Broadband Satellite
- Appropriate for rural area, but it has a low upload speed and unstable
connection
Thaitele- center
Number of Thaitele- center
Number of Thaitelecenter Region Number of Center

1000
800
Central 203
600
400
North 208
200
Northeast 309
0
2007 2008 2009 2010
Number of Thaitelecenter 20 159 276 872 South 152
Total 872
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Barriers to Thaitele- center service development:

- Low speed internet.
- Inconvenient to commute.
- No advertisement.
- No systematic action plan.
- No public relation.
- No competent leader and staff.
Management Model of Thaitelecenter
8.2 CAT Telecom Public Company Limited

Perspective and Direction of Broadband Development
- Develop and provide Wireless and Wi-Fi services for people at reasonable
price.
- Allocate the budget for development from USO fund
- Implement GIN network, set up of backbone and network system.
- Support broadband development and survey of market trend broadband
access.
- Implement high-speed broadband project from new technologies.
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8.3 TOT Public Company Limited

- Build 3G mobile phone network.
- Support and make organization more competitiveness.
- Expand network to cover nationwide
- Build base stations of 3G mobile phone in metropolitan and regional areas to
cover all provinces across country.
- Support service providers to rent the network for their businesses without any
redundancy of investment and meet the needs of increasing Broadband
Wireless Services.
8.4 National telecommunication commission of Thailand
- Promote the development of an open, vibrant, sustainable and competitive
broadband market.
- Encourage the private sector to lead the development of the sector, leveraging
the public sector where required, including making the best use of public-
sector funds to maximize value for money
- Drive broadband take-up through:
- educating both businesses and consumers to the benefits of broadband
- lowering barriers to subscribing to broadband services
- encouraging the development of local content and applications
- Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund is developing plans to finance
broadband to rural areas and implementation of which related activities is
carried out by the telecom operators in public sector in Thailand
8.5 Ministry of Public Health (MOH)
Barrier of broadband network for Medical application
- Main problem are Coverage, Performance and Cost
- MOH doesnt have own network. Qualities depend on government or private service.
- Wireless internet (Satellite) may be require for remote area.
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Research on telecommunication technology in rural area

- ADSL is the most satisfaction technology; in contrast to IPStar which has a
low upload speed and it is also unstable. The satellite cannot transmit moving
picture effectively.
Direction on Broadband Development
- The investment for telemedicine is very high. However, every health center
shall have telemedicine either wired or wireless with speed of at least 1 Mbps
so that voice and picture can be transmitted. The mixture of existing and new
technology shall be used to fulfill the objectives.
8.6 Ministry of Education (MOE)
Computer Network in MOE
- NEdNet connects all education centers.
Plans and projects on Broadband Development
- Connect NEdNet network with UniNet. It will enhance efficiency and up grade
bandwidth.
Direction on Broadband Development
- Work on project of wide area wireless internet access (WiMAX). It will gain
efficiency and reduce cost
- Network for non-commercialize (education only
- Wider bandwidth for support higher traffic and lower cost
8.7 Private sector (AIS /TRUE)
Barrier of broadband service development
- Cost per port is high due to connection cost from internet hub to International
Gateway.
- The Submarine cable station is belonged to CAT
- CAT gains a supreme market position (SMP) over others and sets up high
price for the rental.
- High cost results in high price for internet users, and it is a major obstacle for
expansion of high speed internet network to rural areas.
89
Access to rural area (Last miles)

- Majority of broadband is still on wired line.
- Frequency of Wi-Fi and WiMAX allocation belongs to NTC and government
policy.
- Cost of having allocated frequency shall not be such high that the operators
cannot sustain business profitability while considering the advantages to those
people and country.
Content services
- Currently most contents are for entertainment so that the broadband
development would not create high benefits for social and education aspects.
- CAT to share Essential Facilities of submarine cable station and reduce the
charge to ISP at cost based.
- Fixed line penetration rate is 24% and only 10.7% is used for broadband
access. The remaining of 76% need to have new wireless technology such as
Wi-Fi and WiMAX which has lower cost per number and faster penetration
rate.
- Create more contents that suitable for students, general people, businesses,
and public health.
- Government should subsidize Content Service Providers in order to generate
good contents so that it will transform the country to knowledge based society
8.8 Non governmental organization
- Rural area of Thailand cannot access the internet.
- Broadband must be a basic infrastructure service either wire or wireless
systems must have good quality.
- Broadband can provide useful information and knowledge for youths and also
support citizens in both daily life and career such as marketing for local OTOP
product, e-commerce, etc.
- Government seem not have a clear policy about hi speed internet network
infrastructure development in rural area.
90
- Private sector provide hi speed internet service only in some area and deny
other area that they claim its not enough valuation for investment.
- Public should realize their right providing by the government such as the right
to access internet network with appropriate speed at fair price.
- Broadband is necessary for providing knowledge, technologies, and social
network on internet for the benefits relates to education, health, and career
development
8.9 Conclusion
Major Stakeholders in Thailand Telecommunication

Government : MICT / MOH / MOE / NTC
- Making Policy / Direction / Approach / Strategy for Rural Broadband
Infrastructure Development
State enterprise : CAT / TOT
- Owner of infrastructure
- Significant Market Power (SMP)
Private sector : AIS / TRUE
- Competitiveness
- Investment return
- Policy supported by Government or NTC
- Reduce the monopoly.
91
NGO
- Broadband must be a basic infrastructure service.
- Government : be the driver and policy maker of Broadband Infrastructure
Development
- Private sector : provide hi speed internet services with good quality and
reasonable price.
9. Comment for Workshop
Approach and the role of the MICT of broadband development in rural areas.
Government especially MICT and regulator should be clarified on the roles, policies and
regulations built on fairness. The issues that should be resolved are
- MICT should decide on the direction of broadband service development for state
enterprises and private sector in order to uphold the free and fair competition which will
lead to the development of quality and services for all.
- Government should cooperate and work on the development of broadband.
Specifically, political will and determination are needed avoiding the disputes such as
the case on CAT and NTC on 3G licensing court battle.
- Government should not depend on market mechanisms alone. They should have a
clear framework for regulation and control of broadband development.
- Up to present, no political party has the policy on broadband development. Therefore,
the policy stated by political party or NBTC should be clear.
Government should convert policy and plans to action plan and implementation. The
investment may come from USO or fiscal budget from TOT, whereas TOT has to develop
wireless internet. MICT has the duty to reduce the gap by direct the plans into actions.
Demands from citizen could drive broadband development rapidly. It will force the
improvements in quality and speed of service.
Government should rethink about the combining of network scheme since the network
separation may increase the competition in new technology.
Government should solve problems regarding rules and regulations in the promotion of
public sector, in addition, private companies whose infrastructures cover in all areas but
encountering not enough users should leads to the increase in the operating cost so that
the 3G license process should be speeded up since it is a wireless connection and one
should use USO and tax reduction scheme to support such operation.
92
Government should be committed to the backbone access in the community. The

community should be self administrate and manage. The demand is best described by the
users.
Government should transfer the cultural use of ICT to the local community.

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World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study

Thailand Rural Broadband Infrastructure Policy Project

With Funding Support From

World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study

3.7 NTC-3G licensing process and roll-out requirements and eligibility 19

World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study

7.2.3 Plans and projects for Broadband Development... 51

World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study

7.7 National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) 77

World Bank Thailand MICT Broadband Study

As a result of this partial liberalization, the private-sector telecoms industry

License number and Date

License number and Date

Code Name Operator

3.2.4 Wholesale broadband regulations

At present core network operators are mandated to provide access to their

3.4.5 Telephone and Internet Users Behavior

3.5 Market shares information

Market share of broadband providers in Thailand [Source: Telegeography]

3.5.2 Mobile Services Market

3.6 Institutional structures

Source : National telecommunication commission of Thailand (NTC)

In 1997, Thailands constitution requires a separated regulator agency from the

Note : MOF - Ministry of Finance

Frequency Frequency Lower Band Upper Band Prices start of

For the current Thailand has served 3G using frequency as follows:

Telecommunication Commission Council which has 11 members according to approval by the

3.10 Policy and plans of government in rural broadband development

2.2 All health centers in district have access to Broadband services

1.1. Thai government supposes to do more promotion and support

3.4. Development of systems and infrastructure that can transmit and

3.10.2 List of all relevant master plans and policies

1) Take stock of current access to broadband in rural areas of Thailand, in

-Identification and scope of current broadband service providers

- Ministry of Education: School Net, e-learning, training, other

- Information of the Broadband development policy or plan of Thailand

6) Write up a Draft Information Report prepared by Local Consultant and send

4.4 Time line by Local Consultant

Date time List of Interviewee

10.00-11.00 - preliminary meeting at MICT

Monday 14.00 15.00 - Ms. Mayuree Rattanamung

30 August 2010 - Director of Information and

Tuesday 11.00 12.00 - Mr. Anant Worrathitipong

13.30 14.30 - Dr. Sinchai Torwattanakitkul

Wednesday 09.30-10.30 - Ms. Kedkamol Saenawat

16.00-18.30 - Meeting at MICT

Thursday 11.00-12.00 - Mr. Prawit Leesathapornwongsa

13.00-14.00 - Mr. Niphon Jongvishit

Date time List of Interviewee

Friday 08.00-09.00 - Mr. Wichian Mektrakarn

10.00 11.00 - Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich

13.00-14.00 - Mr. Sompol Janprasert

15.30-16.30 - Mr. Chamnarn Pramotepaiboon

6. framework for the study of Broadband Development in Rural Area on Local

MICT has requested the Local Consultant

Draft Information Report

Final report by Local

7. Major Stakeholders in Thailand Telecommunication

4. Research and Development of ICT for promotion is to be supported in order to

Computer, Electronics, and Internet

Fashion, Costume and Jewelry

Travel Hotel and Resort 2007

When considering the values of e-Commerce in 2008 by operators, it

When considering the values of sale in 2008 by sector, it is found that