NBTC commissioner calls for foreign satellite changes

A commissioner on the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) wants the regulator's board to consider a draft for a new licensing regime for services using foreign satellites.

- KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA

Somphop Purivigraipong said the draft passed the hearing process last year.

The new licensing regime should drive development of the satellite business landscape in Thailand, said Mr Somphop.

The new regime aligns with global practices, adding flexibility for local telecom firms to deal with the complicated space business, he said.

Under the draft, the NBTC split the licences into three categories: a gateway licence, landing rights licence, and a service licence.

The current regime awards only one licence, which the holders can use for gateways, satellite service, or landing rights.