NBTC imposes strict rules on commercial VPN users

The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved a resolution requiring those commercially using a SIM card box or virtual private network (VPN) gateway devices to obtain permission before operating them.

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

The rule aims to strictly supervise their use within a legal framework and prevent the equipment from becoming a tool to commit technological crimes, said Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of the NBTC.

He said imports of equipment related to these devices remain subject to existing regulations.

Prior to the NBTC resolution, the use of SIM boxes for commercial purposes or to provide a telecom service did not require regulatory permission as it was exempted from the related law.