NBTC to spend Bt1 bn on R&D, consumer protection
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THE regulator will allocate Bt1 billion this year out of its Bt19 billion fund to support R&D and consumer protection in relation to the telecom and broadcasting industries.
Takorn Tantasith secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), said last week that it would be the biggest grant made by the licensing body.
Last year it set aside Bt400 million, of which Bt60 million sponsored qualified projects on a project-by-project basis.
This year it will draw up terms of reference (TOR). Those who can meet the ToR will be granted up to Bt20 million per applicant.
About 70 per cent of the R&D fund comes from the Universal Service Obligation Fund. Telecom licence holders are required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross revenue to the USOF.
Of the Bt19 billion, Bt14.3 billion will be loaned to the Finance Ministry.
The ministry’s borrowing will be over three rounds, Bt1 billion from the first round, Bt2 billion from the second round and Bt9 billion from the third round.
