Telecoms and IT

Thailand lags behind its peers in several measures of connectivity and IT-readiness, although this may change in the near-term. A 3G spectrum auction is scheduled for the third quarter of 2012 after years of delay that saw neighbours adopt the standard widely and even implement 4G. Reforms to the state-owned enterprises that control the infrastructure – TOT and CAT – are being considered, which could enhance competition and lower prices. On the IT front, hardware sales dominate the market, with relatively strong growth in computer sales, albeit from a low base. Smartphones and tablets are expected to attract a disproportionate share of the hardware market, especially given the government’s plan to give tablets to schoolchildren. This section features interviews with Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology; Thares Punsri, Chairman, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC); Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO, Total Access Communication (DTAC); Suphachai Chearavanont, President & CEO, True Corporation; and Wichian Mektrakarn, CEO, Advanced Info Service (AIS).