The national telecom regulator intends to grant WiMax wireless broadband spectrum licences shortly after the auction of the 2.1-gigahertz third-generation spectrum licences. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) commissioner Sethaporn Cusripituck yesterday said if the NTC auctioned the 3G licences in early December, the WiMax-spectrum licences would be granted shortly after that.
He was speaking at the first public hearing on broadband wireless-access licensing and regulations for new technology services, including WiMax.
Recently, NTC chairman Choochart Phromprasid said the watchdog intended to auction four 3G licences in December.
Wi-Max provides wireless broadband connection service within a wide range.
Sethaporn said the licence was likely to be granted via the auction, the same as the 3G spectrum licences, and that the NTC was considering whether to allow the 3G-licence winners to own the WiMax licences, as well.
A CAT Telecom representative told the hearing that the WiMax licences should not be granted via the auction, given that CAT was not cash-rich enough to seek the licence that way.
The NTC decided to grant only the 2.3GHz spectrum for WiMax-service development, given that the other potential choice - the 2.5GHz spectrum - had been in use in the broadcasting business. It may have to wait for the new regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, to get up and running and reallocate the 2.5GHz spectrum.
The NTC also must take back the 2.3GHz spectrum from many state agencies now using the spectrum band. Of the total 100-megahertz bandwidth of the spectrum, TOT owns 64MHz bandwidth, while military agencies use a combined 30MHz bandwidth, and CAT4MHz bandwidth.
The NTC appointed Sethaporn as chairman of the committee to negotiate the return of the 2.3GHz spectrum.
Sethaporn said WiMax-licence applicants would be required to pay for the cost of the spectrum reallocation and related costs to the existing spectrum-owners. The applicants can combine both the cost of the spectrum reallocation and the licence fee together when applying for the licences.
He said the NTC might be flexible in taking back the 2.3GHz spectrum from TOT, which intends to develop WiMax service.
"We may ask TOT to tell us how much, out of the total bandwidth amount it owns, it wants to keep for WiMax-service development, and then we'll take back the remaining amount for the reallocation," Sethaporn said.
TOT and True are eager to develop WiMax service to complement their existing fast-growing fixed-line-based broadband-Internet service.
The NTC will grant both nationwide and regional licences and decide how many after the hearing. It has already determined a nationwide licence will feature 30MHz bandwidth, while a regional licence will feature 20MHz.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
National Telecommunications Commission
As communications technologies continue to evolve and seemingly evaporate large geographical distances, bringing the most remote areas of the world within instantaneous reach, we asmembers of society, can often be guilty of overlooking the important role telecomunication regulating authorities play in ensuring new and existing forms of telecommunications are implemented properly with due consideration for consumers and businesses.
While scholars and social commentators continue to debate the impact and scope of social changes emerging as part of the globalization phenomenon entailed within telecommunications developments, it seems universally agreed upon that the quantity of information being exchangeed in contemporary society will continue to increase to levels previously unseen in human history. Suc exchanges of information require careful planning from regional and national governments to ensure that powerful telecommunications conglomerates do not unfairly take advantage of consurmers, and that certain channels of communication are reserved to serve the greater public good, rather than just commercial interests. In Thailand, this important responsibility has been entrusted to the national Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-the first independent state telecommunications regulator, headed by Chairman General Choochart Promphrasid.
Established by Royal proclamation on 1 October, 2004, the NTc operates to meet the goals of the "Master Plan on Telecomunications Development,' as approved by Cabinet on 4 November 1997. The NTC operates withh a substantial range of duties and responsibilities, revolving primarily around the public laws, security, science, culture, technology, consumer protection, and market regualation of all telecommunications services in the Kingdom.
Under the guidance of a number of the nation's leading media specialists, the NTC handles a wide range of important tasks and duties, including the formation of criteria and categories for telecommunication service providers, the awarding of licenses to telecommunications companies, setting standards and required technical specifications for service operators, the formulation of tariff structures and services, consumer protection measures, as well as a multitude of other responsibilities pertaining to market conditions and regulations.
Currently, the NTC charter covers all forms of telecommunications technology, including radio, television and internet. New and emerging telecommunications technologies, such as 3G (3rd Generation) and WiMAX, which are yet to be fully implemented in Thailand, are currently the focus of the NTC in 2009 and beyond, with spectrum assignment and licensing for 3G services expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
According to NTC Commissioner Professor Prasit Prapinmongkolkam, the process of 3G implementation is nearly completed, with all technical details already worked out, except the assignment of the spectrum frequencies, which will be completed by December when an electronic auction is held in which service operators can bid for spectrum bandwidth.
"We have been working on the 3G system for more than three years, and this year we will hold an auction for the use of the spectrum. We must however, be careful that we reserve some of the spectrum for specific, non-commercial use, because the spectrum is a limited resource and we must consider the interests of the nation and the people. We will carefully consider the bidding companies' intentions when we award use of the spectrums, so as to not only seek financial gains, but other telecommunications benefits to help the people of Thailand," says Prof. Prasit.
the emergence of WiMAX technology is another concern for the NTC as it offers several advantages to rural areas of Thailand which currently lack sufficient access to internet and other forms of telecommunications technology. WiMAX has excellent potential to help farmers and those who rely on agricultural products for their liveihood as it provides wider, faster network coverage and could offer up-to-date market conditions and prices. Plans are being made by the NTC for WiMAX spectrum allocation, although this will have to be matched by appropriate market demand and development of the WiMAX system, which is currently only operating in a few North American cities.
For broadband operators, the NTC has established three differant types of licenses which will ensure the correct and most efficient management of internet access for both consumers and service providers, with regulations in place for various types of companies, both big and small, who seek to provide internet access for everyday consumers. Outside of technical matters, one of the foremost duties of the NTC is to oversee the continued preservation of a "free and fair," telecommunications market-that is, a market free from monopolization or unfair competition. Essentially, the NTC acts as the "front desk" for telecommunications complaints regarding unfair treatment of consurmers by operating a free hotline number which receives consumer cases and acts accordingly. In the case of unfair treatment of consumers, the NTC has the power to revoke and suspend telecommunications licenses for infringements of service agreements, and thus works in the interests of the everday citizen who might otherise be forgotten.
The NTC is also responsible for a number of telecommunications training programmes, human resources development, and informing society of how to best utilize emerging technology systems. As such, a number of workshops are organised by the NTC on issues such as mobile payment management, financiali transaction security, and how new technology can be used to benefit their everday lives, while also warning of the dangers and pitfalls that consumers can fall into. these workshops, known as "Chalard Chai" (smart use) select graduate and undergraduate students from around the country to participate in-depth courses so as to develop a network of greater understanding among Thai people., while also promoting individual research by the students themselves. A number of education scholarships are also offered to students seeking to study abroad, with deserving parties able to study in the USA, France or England, depending on their field of study.
While scholars and social commentators continue to debate the impact and scope of social changes emerging as part of the globalization phenomenon entailed within telecommunications developments, it seems universally agreed upon that the quantity of information being exchangeed in contemporary society will continue to increase to levels previously unseen in human history. Suc exchanges of information require careful planning from regional and national governments to ensure that powerful telecommunications conglomerates do not unfairly take advantage of consurmers, and that certain channels of communication are reserved to serve the greater public good, rather than just commercial interests. In Thailand, this important responsibility has been entrusted to the national Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-the first independent state telecommunications regulator, headed by Chairman General Choochart Promphrasid.
Established by Royal proclamation on 1 October, 2004, the NTc operates to meet the goals of the "Master Plan on Telecomunications Development,' as approved by Cabinet on 4 November 1997. The NTC operates withh a substantial range of duties and responsibilities, revolving primarily around the public laws, security, science, culture, technology, consumer protection, and market regualation of all telecommunications services in the Kingdom.
Under the guidance of a number of the nation's leading media specialists, the NTC handles a wide range of important tasks and duties, including the formation of criteria and categories for telecommunication service providers, the awarding of licenses to telecommunications companies, setting standards and required technical specifications for service operators, the formulation of tariff structures and services, consumer protection measures, as well as a multitude of other responsibilities pertaining to market conditions and regulations.
Currently, the NTC charter covers all forms of telecommunications technology, including radio, television and internet. New and emerging telecommunications technologies, such as 3G (3rd Generation) and WiMAX, which are yet to be fully implemented in Thailand, are currently the focus of the NTC in 2009 and beyond, with spectrum assignment and licensing for 3G services expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
According to NTC Commissioner Professor Prasit Prapinmongkolkam, the process of 3G implementation is nearly completed, with all technical details already worked out, except the assignment of the spectrum frequencies, which will be completed by December when an electronic auction is held in which service operators can bid for spectrum bandwidth.
"We have been working on the 3G system for more than three years, and this year we will hold an auction for the use of the spectrum. We must however, be careful that we reserve some of the spectrum for specific, non-commercial use, because the spectrum is a limited resource and we must consider the interests of the nation and the people. We will carefully consider the bidding companies' intentions when we award use of the spectrums, so as to not only seek financial gains, but other telecommunications benefits to help the people of Thailand," says Prof. Prasit.
the emergence of WiMAX technology is another concern for the NTC as it offers several advantages to rural areas of Thailand which currently lack sufficient access to internet and other forms of telecommunications technology. WiMAX has excellent potential to help farmers and those who rely on agricultural products for their liveihood as it provides wider, faster network coverage and could offer up-to-date market conditions and prices. Plans are being made by the NTC for WiMAX spectrum allocation, although this will have to be matched by appropriate market demand and development of the WiMAX system, which is currently only operating in a few North American cities.
For broadband operators, the NTC has established three differant types of licenses which will ensure the correct and most efficient management of internet access for both consumers and service providers, with regulations in place for various types of companies, both big and small, who seek to provide internet access for everyday consumers. Outside of technical matters, one of the foremost duties of the NTC is to oversee the continued preservation of a "free and fair," telecommunications market-that is, a market free from monopolization or unfair competition. Essentially, the NTC acts as the "front desk" for telecommunications complaints regarding unfair treatment of consurmers by operating a free hotline number which receives consumer cases and acts accordingly. In the case of unfair treatment of consumers, the NTC has the power to revoke and suspend telecommunications licenses for infringements of service agreements, and thus works in the interests of the everday citizen who might otherise be forgotten.
The NTC is also responsible for a number of telecommunications training programmes, human resources development, and informing society of how to best utilize emerging technology systems. As such, a number of workshops are organised by the NTC on issues such as mobile payment management, financiali transaction security, and how new technology can be used to benefit their everday lives, while also warning of the dangers and pitfalls that consumers can fall into. these workshops, known as "Chalard Chai" (smart use) select graduate and undergraduate students from around the country to participate in-depth courses so as to develop a network of greater understanding among Thai people., while also promoting individual research by the students themselves. A number of education scholarships are also offered to students seeking to study abroad, with deserving parties able to study in the USA, France or England, depending on their field of study.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A primer on 3G
The standard known as 3G, or Wideband CDMA, IS-95, was developed in 1995 but it was not until the early 2000s that it was deployed commercially.
The names are confusing - WCDMA is an evolution of the European-centric GSM For 4G, while WCDMA evolved into LTE (Long Term Evolution).
CDMA, the American 2G standard, evolved into CDMA EV-DO, which is also deployed in Thailand outside of the central provinces by CAT. Later, it evolved into the Ultra Mobile Broadband standard (UMB). However, it seems that all carriers, even those using EV-DO, are now focusing on LTE for 4G and that UMB is to all intents dead in the water.
Frequencies can also be confusing. At first, virtually all WCDMA 3G (we are not talking about EV-DO) were at 2100 MHz or 2.1 GHz in Europe and most of Asia. Australia went with 850 MHz and the USA, always intent on doing things differently from the rest of the world, went with a combination of 850 and 1900. Today, Europe is moving to 900/2100 (re-farming old 900 GSM). In Thailand, TrueMove and DTac use 850 and AIS uses 900 for their trial networks. Most new phones imported to Thailand are Euro-spec, meaning 900/2100; the iPhone, Blackberry and most HP Windows Mobile devices being the major exceptions with 850/2100.
Lower frequencies are better, with both bigger cells and better indoor coverage. However, there is not enough low-frequency space available to meet demand from everyone who wants it.
Speeds are going up and up. WCDMA started at just 384 KBPS (about 0.38 MBPS). Now HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) has a top speed of 14.4 MBPS. However, most networks say that the latest 7.2 or 14.4 upgrades are their last as they are now gearing up for 4G LTE as their next upgrade.
By next year, some countries will have rolled out 4G LTE commercially. Yet Thailand still has not decided on how to license 3G.
The names are confusing - WCDMA is an evolution of the European-centric GSM For 4G, while WCDMA evolved into LTE (Long Term Evolution).
CDMA, the American 2G standard, evolved into CDMA EV-DO, which is also deployed in Thailand outside of the central provinces by CAT. Later, it evolved into the Ultra Mobile Broadband standard (UMB). However, it seems that all carriers, even those using EV-DO, are now focusing on LTE for 4G and that UMB is to all intents dead in the water.
Frequencies can also be confusing. At first, virtually all WCDMA 3G (we are not talking about EV-DO) were at 2100 MHz or 2.1 GHz in Europe and most of Asia. Australia went with 850 MHz and the USA, always intent on doing things differently from the rest of the world, went with a combination of 850 and 1900. Today, Europe is moving to 900/2100 (re-farming old 900 GSM). In Thailand, TrueMove and DTac use 850 and AIS uses 900 for their trial networks. Most new phones imported to Thailand are Euro-spec, meaning 900/2100; the iPhone, Blackberry and most HP Windows Mobile devices being the major exceptions with 850/2100.
Lower frequencies are better, with both bigger cells and better indoor coverage. However, there is not enough low-frequency space available to meet demand from everyone who wants it.
Speeds are going up and up. WCDMA started at just 384 KBPS (about 0.38 MBPS). Now HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) has a top speed of 14.4 MBPS. However, most networks say that the latest 7.2 or 14.4 upgrades are their last as they are now gearing up for 4G LTE as their next upgrade.
By next year, some countries will have rolled out 4G LTE commercially. Yet Thailand still has not decided on how to license 3G.
Monday, September 7, 2009
THREE FIRMS READY TO OFFER BROADBAND WIRELESS SERVICE
Three firms have proposed to use TOT's existing cellular network, which is being upgraded to the 3G technology, to provide a 3G wireless boradband service.
TOT president Varut Suvakorn yesterday mentioned only two of them, Samart Corp and 365 Communications.
365 Communications was reportedly founded by a group of experts in e-banking solutions development led by Surin Ritteephamorn, vice president for e-business of consumer finance provider Krungthai Card.
Wichien Naksrinual, a TOT senior executive vice president, said the state enterprise would call in the three firms to propose their terms and conditions as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including their plans to purchase airtime, their marketing details and their customer targets.
MVNOs do not have their own network but buy airtime from telecom operators to provide their cellular service.
Wichien expects that TOT could wrap up the deals with them at the end of this month and then they would sign non-disclosure agreements.
He said that no cellular operator would propose to be an MVNO on TOT's 3G network as this might prejudice their planned bid for a 3G licence from the National Telecommunications Commision on the 3.1GHz spectrum.
TOT is upgrading 500 base stations on its 1900MHz network in Greater Bangkok to 3G, which provides wireless data transmission at a blazing speed to 3G mobile phone users.
It expects to be ready to kick off the network service on December 1.
The network for the upgrade has the capacity to serve 500,000 customers.
TOT will utilise part of it to provide its own retail 3G service, targeting 100,000 customers in the first month.
Wichien said Advanced Info Service and True Move are interested in allowing the users of TOT's network to roam with their networks for voice calls when they travel outside Greater Bangkok.
TOT is also interested in allowing the subscribers of the two cellular operators, who have 3G phones, to roam with its network for fast downloads of multimedia content.
TOT plans to spend some Bt20 billion on rolling out the new 3G network nationwide but the project is pending Cabinet approval.
TOT is upgrading 500 base stations on its 1900MHz network in Greater Bangkok to 3G, which provides wireless data transmission at a blazing speed to 3G mobile phone users.
TOT president Varut Suvakorn yesterday mentioned only two of them, Samart Corp and 365 Communications.
365 Communications was reportedly founded by a group of experts in e-banking solutions development led by Surin Ritteephamorn, vice president for e-business of consumer finance provider Krungthai Card.
Wichien Naksrinual, a TOT senior executive vice president, said the state enterprise would call in the three firms to propose their terms and conditions as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including their plans to purchase airtime, their marketing details and their customer targets.
MVNOs do not have their own network but buy airtime from telecom operators to provide their cellular service.
Wichien expects that TOT could wrap up the deals with them at the end of this month and then they would sign non-disclosure agreements.
He said that no cellular operator would propose to be an MVNO on TOT's 3G network as this might prejudice their planned bid for a 3G licence from the National Telecommunications Commision on the 3.1GHz spectrum.
TOT is upgrading 500 base stations on its 1900MHz network in Greater Bangkok to 3G, which provides wireless data transmission at a blazing speed to 3G mobile phone users.
It expects to be ready to kick off the network service on December 1.
The network for the upgrade has the capacity to serve 500,000 customers.
TOT will utilise part of it to provide its own retail 3G service, targeting 100,000 customers in the first month.
Wichien said Advanced Info Service and True Move are interested in allowing the users of TOT's network to roam with their networks for voice calls when they travel outside Greater Bangkok.
TOT is also interested in allowing the subscribers of the two cellular operators, who have 3G phones, to roam with its network for fast downloads of multimedia content.
TOT plans to spend some Bt20 billion on rolling out the new 3G network nationwide but the project is pending Cabinet approval.
TOT is upgrading 500 base stations on its 1900MHz network in Greater Bangkok to 3G, which provides wireless data transmission at a blazing speed to 3G mobile phone users.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
JASMINE SETS ITSELF HIGH TARGET
Jasmine International has set an ambitious goal for the broadband Internet flagship of its telecom empire to take the market crown next year, despite the stuttering economy and cut-throat competition.
"The broadband market is apparently on the growth path, thanks to rising service demand," CEO Pete Bodharamik said last week.
The sagging economy has stalled the market's momentum only slightly, Pete, JAS' largest shareholder with over 17 per cent, said in an interview with The Nation.
JAS' broadband Internet service provider, Triple T Broadband, is targeting to serve over one million subscribers next year, up from over 600,000 projected for this year-end. It currently has over 500,000 subscribers, up from 300,000 last year.
Triple T Broadband's market share is expected to grow to 33 per cent at the end of this year from the present 25 per cent.
The revenue contribution from JAS' broadband group, which includes Triple T Broadband and Triple T Internet, is expected to surge between 40 per cent and almost 50 per cent, up from 31 per cent or Bt1.74 billion last year.
Triple T Broadband alone generated revenue of Bt1.73 billion in 2008, up from Bt1.23 billion in 2007.
It lies in third place behind True Corp, which targets 700,000 subscribers by year-end, up from 650,000 now, and TOT, which aims to raise its subscribers to one million by year-end from 800,000 at present.
Triple T Broadband's strategy to further grow its subscriber base involves competitive pricing, faster connections and wider network coverage.
JAS' main investment this year has been Triple T Broadband's capacity expansion. It will spend Bt1.5 billion in the second half to raise service capacity to 1 million subscribers, after spending Bt1 billion on network expansion in the first half.
JAS' wholly owned subsidiary, Acumen, has funded part of the broadband network expansion with its own cash, while bank loans and telecom network suppliers' credit have provided the rest of the capital.
Early last month, Triple T Broadband sold shares through a rights offering. Acumen raised its stake in Triple T Broadband from 90 per cent to 99 per cent by buying shares in its allotment and those foregone by TT&T. The move diluted TT&T's holding in Triple T Broadband to 1 per cent. JAS and TT&T have locked horns following this, as TT&T said it maintained the right to buy Triple T Broadband shares.
Pete said he understands TT&T's reaction but Acumen has already concluded its share increase in Triple T Broadband.
JAS is TT&T's largest shareholder with 24.99 per cent.
Acumen, which offers Wi-Fi wireless Internet via 6,000 hotspots nationwide, is gradually expanding its Wi-Fi network coverage.
Pete said the group's investment budget next year depends on the market situation.
Jasmine Telecom Systems (JTS), which provides turnkey telecom services and solutions, is interested in bidding on the 3G broadband wireless network rollout for TOT.
TOT plans to spend over Bt20 billion on taking the 3G network nationwide for lease to telecom operators but the project is still pending Cabinet approval.
Another major telecom holding firm, Samart Corp, is also keen to bid for the 3G network supply deal from TOT.
But JAS is not interested in becoming a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Pete said, citing the business' low margins and JAS' focus on its core business of broadband service.
An MVNO does not have its own network but leases bandwidth from a cellular operator to provide mobile phone service.
JTS is also interested in providing telecom equipment to CAT Telecom's project to offer broadband Internet service via a fibre optic network, or the so-called fibre-to-the-x (FTTx).
CAT will spend Bt6 billion on developing FTTx in greater Bangkok as part of the Abhisit administration's Thai Khem Khaeng" (Invest for Strength) economic stimulus programme, which means the FTTx project will receive government priority and fast-track approval.
"The broadband market is apparently on the growth path, thanks to rising service demand," CEO Pete Bodharamik said last week.
The sagging economy has stalled the market's momentum only slightly, Pete, JAS' largest shareholder with over 17 per cent, said in an interview with The Nation.
JAS' broadband Internet service provider, Triple T Broadband, is targeting to serve over one million subscribers next year, up from over 600,000 projected for this year-end. It currently has over 500,000 subscribers, up from 300,000 last year.
Triple T Broadband's market share is expected to grow to 33 per cent at the end of this year from the present 25 per cent.
The revenue contribution from JAS' broadband group, which includes Triple T Broadband and Triple T Internet, is expected to surge between 40 per cent and almost 50 per cent, up from 31 per cent or Bt1.74 billion last year.
Triple T Broadband alone generated revenue of Bt1.73 billion in 2008, up from Bt1.23 billion in 2007.
It lies in third place behind True Corp, which targets 700,000 subscribers by year-end, up from 650,000 now, and TOT, which aims to raise its subscribers to one million by year-end from 800,000 at present.
Triple T Broadband's strategy to further grow its subscriber base involves competitive pricing, faster connections and wider network coverage.
JAS' main investment this year has been Triple T Broadband's capacity expansion. It will spend Bt1.5 billion in the second half to raise service capacity to 1 million subscribers, after spending Bt1 billion on network expansion in the first half.
JAS' wholly owned subsidiary, Acumen, has funded part of the broadband network expansion with its own cash, while bank loans and telecom network suppliers' credit have provided the rest of the capital.
Early last month, Triple T Broadband sold shares through a rights offering. Acumen raised its stake in Triple T Broadband from 90 per cent to 99 per cent by buying shares in its allotment and those foregone by TT&T. The move diluted TT&T's holding in Triple T Broadband to 1 per cent. JAS and TT&T have locked horns following this, as TT&T said it maintained the right to buy Triple T Broadband shares.
Pete said he understands TT&T's reaction but Acumen has already concluded its share increase in Triple T Broadband.
JAS is TT&T's largest shareholder with 24.99 per cent.
Acumen, which offers Wi-Fi wireless Internet via 6,000 hotspots nationwide, is gradually expanding its Wi-Fi network coverage.
Pete said the group's investment budget next year depends on the market situation.
Jasmine Telecom Systems (JTS), which provides turnkey telecom services and solutions, is interested in bidding on the 3G broadband wireless network rollout for TOT.
TOT plans to spend over Bt20 billion on taking the 3G network nationwide for lease to telecom operators but the project is still pending Cabinet approval.
Another major telecom holding firm, Samart Corp, is also keen to bid for the 3G network supply deal from TOT.
But JAS is not interested in becoming a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Pete said, citing the business' low margins and JAS' focus on its core business of broadband service.
An MVNO does not have its own network but leases bandwidth from a cellular operator to provide mobile phone service.
JTS is also interested in providing telecom equipment to CAT Telecom's project to offer broadband Internet service via a fibre optic network, or the so-called fibre-to-the-x (FTTx).
CAT will spend Bt6 billion on developing FTTx in greater Bangkok as part of the Abhisit administration's Thai Khem Khaeng" (Invest for Strength) economic stimulus programme, which means the FTTx project will receive government priority and fast-track approval.
INTERNET EMERGING AS A NEW STAGE FOR PUBLIC DEBATE
But there are also worries whether these online discussions are degenerating into reckless rhetoric One of the by-products of the Internet is the proliferation of contributors expressing their diverse and lively political views on a number of news Websites and blogs. Thailand is no exception and the trend appears to be that an increasing number of people are participating in online political discussion and debate.
The challenge now is how to harness this new "public sphere", to borrow the notion from German philosopher Jurgen Habermas, towards the goal of making it a force for democracy and mutual understanding.
Online posting is not always constructive and questions remain as to how relevant it is to democracy and helping us understand one another as members of a society.
Some are put off by the online ranting, character assassination unleashed by some participants. Others doubt if people can really learn and listen from one another as some tend to just post highly dogmatic and incendiary remarks online in an apparent attempt to reinforce their own belief or to just let off steam.
The anonymous nature of many of the online contributors also poses doubt about the reliability of information and the trustworthiness of the remarks of these online participants.
The reasons for someone choosing to remain anonymous may differ. Some may simply feel their profession or real-life identity may be in conflict with some of their political views. Others may simply enjoy their second or third alter ego online. It's fair to question, however, whether one can or should trust another person online who resorts to using funny or even sober aliases in order to ensure that you may never know his or her real identity.
Some of these anonymous online contributors tend to become reckless and excessive in their choice of words, leading to unpleasant feelings and even defamation-related crimes such as those under lese majeste law. While people may and should debate on the merit of the lese majeste law, outright verbal attacks online, especially those that are unsubstantiated have led to a feeling that the online virtual debating community is degenerating into verbal abuse and uncompromising dogmatism, both from the political left and right. These reckless and vicious contributors end up dissuading others who may otherwise wish to engage in a more cool-headed and rational debate, dialogue and deliberation.
On the other hand, the risk of having the ICT Ministry monitor some political views is a potential hazard for some of the contributors and a damning verdict on the state of Thai democracy.
There's also the issue of digital-divide which restricts this new online public sphere to an arena for mostly the educated middle class and elite. Also, some of the online sites tend to be too specialised and parochial to claim to have a greater concern for society and serve as a public arena.
Does online interaction also serve as a disincentive to people from meeting face-to-face to discuss and act together for a common political cause as some may have felt they have already spent much energy online? There is no easy answer and some would argue otherwise.
Another caveat is the issue of how many people are really engaged in such online political debate. Are there just a handful of regular contributors and how many carefully and open-mindedly read other postings? Can the site and debate qualify as a public sphere if less than a dozen people, mostly using alias, participate? There's no clear answer.
On the other hand, proponents and optimists say this is the most politically open public space to date, and not just for Thailand, as virtual reality knows no boundaries.
Unlike the print media, anyone with an access to the Internet can just type their political view and conviction with minimum or no censorship - though some eventually ended up convicted for violating the lese majeste law.
The arena is also technically open to all. The debating thread interactive and the discussion and debate can go on and on, in real time, and across the continents. People can learn from so many others of diverse background, age and gender, from people whom they may otherwise never meet in life and could deliberate, form a common judgement on particular issues if not eventually meet and act together off-line.
The strength of online political debates and networking may also serve as a new force in countering what is otherwise an overwhelming state power and its control over most of the broadcast media, as well as corporations' pervasive influence over society, advocates say.
In the end, whether one is optimistic or pessimistic, this new virtual sphere of political interaction is here to stay and as it proliferates and grows more thinking is needed on how to make it more public and conducive to the maturing of Thai politics and beyond.
The challenge now is how to harness this new "public sphere", to borrow the notion from German philosopher Jurgen Habermas, towards the goal of making it a force for democracy and mutual understanding.
Online posting is not always constructive and questions remain as to how relevant it is to democracy and helping us understand one another as members of a society.
Some are put off by the online ranting, character assassination unleashed by some participants. Others doubt if people can really learn and listen from one another as some tend to just post highly dogmatic and incendiary remarks online in an apparent attempt to reinforce their own belief or to just let off steam.
The anonymous nature of many of the online contributors also poses doubt about the reliability of information and the trustworthiness of the remarks of these online participants.
The reasons for someone choosing to remain anonymous may differ. Some may simply feel their profession or real-life identity may be in conflict with some of their political views. Others may simply enjoy their second or third alter ego online. It's fair to question, however, whether one can or should trust another person online who resorts to using funny or even sober aliases in order to ensure that you may never know his or her real identity.
Some of these anonymous online contributors tend to become reckless and excessive in their choice of words, leading to unpleasant feelings and even defamation-related crimes such as those under lese majeste law. While people may and should debate on the merit of the lese majeste law, outright verbal attacks online, especially those that are unsubstantiated have led to a feeling that the online virtual debating community is degenerating into verbal abuse and uncompromising dogmatism, both from the political left and right. These reckless and vicious contributors end up dissuading others who may otherwise wish to engage in a more cool-headed and rational debate, dialogue and deliberation.
On the other hand, the risk of having the ICT Ministry monitor some political views is a potential hazard for some of the contributors and a damning verdict on the state of Thai democracy.
There's also the issue of digital-divide which restricts this new online public sphere to an arena for mostly the educated middle class and elite. Also, some of the online sites tend to be too specialised and parochial to claim to have a greater concern for society and serve as a public arena.
Does online interaction also serve as a disincentive to people from meeting face-to-face to discuss and act together for a common political cause as some may have felt they have already spent much energy online? There is no easy answer and some would argue otherwise.
Another caveat is the issue of how many people are really engaged in such online political debate. Are there just a handful of regular contributors and how many carefully and open-mindedly read other postings? Can the site and debate qualify as a public sphere if less than a dozen people, mostly using alias, participate? There's no clear answer.
On the other hand, proponents and optimists say this is the most politically open public space to date, and not just for Thailand, as virtual reality knows no boundaries.
Unlike the print media, anyone with an access to the Internet can just type their political view and conviction with minimum or no censorship - though some eventually ended up convicted for violating the lese majeste law.
The arena is also technically open to all. The debating thread interactive and the discussion and debate can go on and on, in real time, and across the continents. People can learn from so many others of diverse background, age and gender, from people whom they may otherwise never meet in life and could deliberate, form a common judgement on particular issues if not eventually meet and act together off-line.
The strength of online political debates and networking may also serve as a new force in countering what is otherwise an overwhelming state power and its control over most of the broadcast media, as well as corporations' pervasive influence over society, advocates say.
In the end, whether one is optimistic or pessimistic, this new virtual sphere of political interaction is here to stay and as it proliferates and grows more thinking is needed on how to make it more public and conducive to the maturing of Thai politics and beyond.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TOT's FTTx service set for this year
TOT will "definitely" launch a fibre-to-the-x (FTTx) broadband-Internet service in Bangkok, Phuket and Hua Hin this year, a senior executive said yesterday.
Senior executive vice president Sujin Kodsup said TOT was also developing multimedia content for FTTx customers in addition to the broadband connection via direct fibre-optic link.
FTTx - x can represent home, building or premises - involves connecting a customer with a direct fibre-optic link via a service provider, in order to receive voice and data services.
Sujin said the FTTx service would be useless without multimedia content for the customers.
Many content-makers have approached TOT about being a partner in the project, but the company has yet to conclude any deals.
He declined to specify the cost of the project's development.
CAT Telecom is another state agency planning to launch an FTTx service in Bangkok, at a cost of Bt6 billion. The project is expected to yield an investment return rate of 15 per cent and break even in five years and one month.
Meanwhile, TOT yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with property and construction firm Supalai to provide Wi-Fi connections to e-conferencing systems and FTTx services to all of Supalai's projects.
Supalai deputy managing director Atip Bijanonda said such information- and communications-technology (ICT) services would add value to the company's property projects and distinguish them from those of its competitors.
Sujin said the MoU allowed TOT to provide ICT services to all of Supalai's 30 existing house and condominium projects, as well as future ones.
However, it is not an exclusive deal.
TOT has already started providing some ICT services to Supalai at a cost of Bt2 million to Bt3 million per project.
The exact cost per project will depend on the types of services needed.
Sujin said TOT had also approached another major property firm, Land & Houses, about a similar FTTx deal.
Senior executive vice president Sujin Kodsup said TOT was also developing multimedia content for FTTx customers in addition to the broadband connection via direct fibre-optic link.
FTTx - x can represent home, building or premises - involves connecting a customer with a direct fibre-optic link via a service provider, in order to receive voice and data services.
Sujin said the FTTx service would be useless without multimedia content for the customers.
Many content-makers have approached TOT about being a partner in the project, but the company has yet to conclude any deals.
He declined to specify the cost of the project's development.
CAT Telecom is another state agency planning to launch an FTTx service in Bangkok, at a cost of Bt6 billion. The project is expected to yield an investment return rate of 15 per cent and break even in five years and one month.
Meanwhile, TOT yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with property and construction firm Supalai to provide Wi-Fi connections to e-conferencing systems and FTTx services to all of Supalai's projects.
Supalai deputy managing director Atip Bijanonda said such information- and communications-technology (ICT) services would add value to the company's property projects and distinguish them from those of its competitors.
Sujin said the MoU allowed TOT to provide ICT services to all of Supalai's 30 existing house and condominium projects, as well as future ones.
However, it is not an exclusive deal.
TOT has already started providing some ICT services to Supalai at a cost of Bt2 million to Bt3 million per project.
The exact cost per project will depend on the types of services needed.
Sujin said TOT had also approached another major property firm, Land & Houses, about a similar FTTx deal.
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