NBTC urged to use fund to boost line networks
TELECOM operators have asked the telecom regulator to use some of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund to realign overhead and underground telecom lines for the public’s benefit.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) yesterday held a public hearing meeting with telecom operators to discuss an adjustment to the existing telecom-line regulation.
The move was in line with the government’s policy to convert overhead power and telecom lines to an underground cable system within five years to enhance Bangkok as an Asean metropolis.
According to the NBTC, the revised regulation defines the right-of-way that covers overhead and underground lines based on an infrastructure-sharing basis. All telecom operators are required to share the investment cost for the installation and replacement of overhead and underground lines and avoid overloading poles.
However, most private telecom companies – including UIH Co, a broadband company of Benchachinda Holding Co, Total Access Communication and True Corp – agreed that the NBTC should allocate some of the Bt17-billion fund to help operators invest in overhead and underground wires along roads nationwide.
The operators reasoned that they paid the NBTC licence fees including the Universal Service Obligation levy, so it was reasonable to use the fund in this respect.
Korkij Danchaivichit, NBTC deputy secretary-general, said that the commission would collect all information from feedback groups to present to its telecom committee before launching the new regulation.
