IT sector 'needs support'
The Telecommunications Association of Thailand has asked the telecom regulator to give more support to local manufacturers of information and communications technology products by ensuring they meet high enough standards to gain business from telecom oper
Yesterday the TCT asked the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to broaden its regulations to ensure that ICT manufacturers meet certain industrial standards such as ISO 9001. Currently the regulations cover only manufacturers and products with tax privileges from the Board of Investment.
TCT president Vichai Bencharongkul said most wholly Thai-owned manufacturers of ICT products did not have BOI privileges. If the NBTC extended the regulations, it would encourage telecom operators to use local content and products.
Vichai said the NBTC had promised to look into the matter.
The TCT also asked the commission to fast-track its approval of rights of way to enable telecom operators to install their networks quickly and bring service to consumers.
The operators need right-of-way approvals to install poles or lay out transmission lines or viaducts.
