I am utterly dismayed to read that ICT Minister Ranongruk Suwunchwee wants to indefinitely delay the issuing of 3G, under the false claim that foreigners will grab all the opportunity.
Thailand's ICT is already the laughingstock of Asia for not rolling out this essential technology, and presiding over a below-par broadband service. Any further delays from our minister - who is better qualified as a nurse and politician's wife - is simply unacceptable if our flagging economy is to benefit from improved telecomms.
Published: 7/10/2009 at 12:00 AM, Bangkokpost
For one, increasing numbers of tourists are arriving with smart phones, expecting the convenience of 3G connectivity on the move, and this could boost the industry in line with the prime minister's recent wishes.
Mobile broadband will break the suburb monopolies of under-delivering ISPs, bring broadband to remote areas and benefit business people working on the move. Foreign investment and expertise can only help normal Thais receive a world-class internet service, while the concessionaires will always remain majority Thai-owned and controlled.
Her argument that TOT and CAT will be disadvantaged is nonsense, since they are supposed to be licencers; they already have the advantage of access to a temporary licence through Thai mobile, yet have failed to develop anything.
Meanwhile we're stuck in argument between which regulatory body should have control. The cynic in me suggests that the potential corruption opportunities involved are so lucrative that perhaps selfish behind-the-scenes wrangling is putting the whole country at a disadvantage.
ANDREW BOND
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