NBTC Proposes Reduced โMobile Data Packages, Aims for 160 Baht “Half Internet” โขPlan, Submission to Cabinet Scheduled for October 28th
Theโ National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is preparing โฃto propose a new mobile data package to the Cabinet on October 28th, designed toโ significantly reduce internet costs for Thai citizens. The proposed plan aims to provide users with a “half internet” package – a substantial data allowanceโฃ – for 160 baht over a three-month period.
While the initiativeโข directly addresses affordability,โ a key challenge remains: a important portion of state welfare card holders currently utilize 2G mobile phones incapableโค of supporting the speeds and functionalities โrequired for โeffective internet use. The NBTC isโ therefore initiatingโ discussions with mobile network operators (operators) to โขexplore measures supporting the upgrade or โreplacement of thes devices with 4G or 5G compatible smartphones.โ
“We are requestingโ cooperation from mobile phone companies to develop packages facilitating theโ transition to smartphones for the current population,” stated a representative โขof the NBTC. “This is crucial to align with the planned phase-out of 2Gโข and 3G networks.”
The move comes alongside ongoing public hearings conducted by theโ NBTC office regardingโข guidelines for regulating mobile phone service rates. These โhearings are focusedโ on implementingโข the NBTC announcement concerning the maximum rate of domestic mobile phone service charges exceeding the usage rights โof primaryโค promotional programs, and preparing a revised draft of โthe announcement.
The NBTC Office intends to propose guidelines to the NBTC board that โwill ensure mobile phone service fees reflect current market conditions,competition,and evolving costs,while prioritizing consumer choice.
A core element โขof the proposed โchanges involves revising the “Blue Flag Package” – initial main promotional programs. Currently capped at 240 baht per month, theโฃ NBTC aims to lower this to a new, โคmore โaffordable rate as โคa New Year’s gift to the public.This โreduction will be achieved by adjusting usage rights to alignโฃ with contemporary consumption patterns, focusing on voice andโข mobile internet services, excluding SMS and MMS.
The proposed โขlower service charges are based on calculations of average revenue per user per month derived from both monthly and top-up users. This approach will provide users with reduced fees forโ essentialโ services – calling and high-speedโค mobile โinternet – potentially replacing the need forโค SMS and MMS.
Furthermore, theโ NBTC Office is proposing that service providers offer at least two types of initial main promotional programs, or Blue Flag packages: Pay Per Use andโ Flat Rateโข services.
The NBTC Office expressed confidence that this restructuring โขof mobile phone serviceโ rates and the proposed โคapproach will foster fair competition within the telecommunications sector, maintain efficiency, and ultimately deliver maximum benefit toโ consumers.
