Broadband use low as access limited

       Inconvenient access to core fixed and mobile networks and high service fees are the reasons for the low penetration rate of broadband internet usage, says Pitjapol Jantanasaro, the vice-secretary of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
       He said if current broadband service fees starting at 590 baht per month could be lowered to 300-400 baht, it would stimulate more internet use, similar to the mobile phone market's experience.
       Average mobile phone usage fees have dropped to about 200 baht per month,leading to widespread use in almost 100%of the country. Broadband internet usage remains low at 1.6% even though one million households have internet access.
       Anuparb Thilalarp, a telecom expert,said internet access was still monopolised by Type 3 operators, or operators that have their own networks, while Type 1 and Type 2(those that do not own a network) could not reach end users because they were blocked or deterred by the competing Type 3 operators.
       He said Type 3 operators use their networks to serve their customers rather than leasing them to other ISPs to provide service that competes with them.
       "It is not unusual that we have more than 100 ISPs that service corporate customers but not the general public because they have no LAN lines or mobile networks," Mr Anuparb said. He added that broadband service was not competitive yet and prices have not dipped much.
       He also blamed poor enforcement of the interconnection charge system for operators as another reason for low broadband use, although the charge became effective three years ago.
       Mr Anuparb said recent research showed the operating cost for 1MB of broadband was just 150 baht per month,440 baht less than operators charge on average now.
       He then called on the government to help ease the cost of building internet access networks so that ISPs could provide broadband at a minimum of 300 baht per month. The fee was compared to monthly usage of mobile phones, to which everyone now has access.