The 17 th Asia Telecom Information Exchange (ATIE), New Delhi, 6 th May 2013 Future of the Thai Telecommunications in the Age of Convergence: NBTC s perspective Dr. Suthiphon Thaveechaiyagarn National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commissioner
1.Background at a glance Failure in conducting the previous auction The NTC prepared the auction CAT filed a lawsuit against the NTC The Administrative Court affirmed by the Supreme Administrative Court issued a provisional injunction Mission was impossible!
2. Successful regulatory tasks Before NBTC establishment After NBTC establishment New regulatory task of NBTC = Spectrum Auction State Monopoly Concession Contract X 2.1 GHz spectrum left unused Liberalization 3G auction license 5 Network roll out obligation 3 regulations Infra. Sharing MVNO National Roaming Better consumer protection
3. Sequence of auction process Effort to facilitate auction: Revision 1.The removal of N-1 Condition Risk of leftover licenses Inefficient use of spectrum 5. Reserve price Encourage competition as a whole 2. Spectrum Packaging new block size The spilt 5 MHz attracts new entrants 4. Spectrum Cap Prevent spectrum hoarding 3. Collusion prevention Both legal and social measures
3. Sequence of auction process Regulatory obstacles Before auction 1. File petition to Administrative Court to revoke provisional injunction on former auction After auction 1. Question and call for clarification done by the Senate, Representative, National Anti-Corruption Commission 2. Revise regulations to facilitate the implementation of auction 3. Deal with attempt to revoke/ suspend the auction by affected party 2. 7 Lawsuits at the Administrative Court 3. Storm of public criticism and misunderstanding by misleading info Auction conducted Oct 2012 7
3. Sequence of auction process What ve we been through? Consumers expects variety of services with low price. Public criticism Affected parties wants to revoke auction. 12-year lack behind other countries Market needs to be liberalized Regulator Character of telecoms market is always evolving and has rapid growth. No absolute regulations like onesize-fits-all model.
3. Sequence of auction process Regulatory obstacles Problems Public under first-time-in-thai-history spectrum auction Complexity; full of technical issues Solution Different principles and rules from other auctions Legal Dimension Social Dimension 9
3. Sequence of auction process Regulatory obstacles Solution How to overcome? Legal Dimension Clarification at Administrative Court and government agencies Adopted regulations to better ensure competition Social Dimension Auction result confirmed by the ITU Strengthening stakeholders consultation process Infrastructure Sharing MVNO National roaming
3. Sequence of auction process Assessment by the ITU 1. Spectrum licenses were efficiently and fairly assigned. 2. Licenses contain important measures to improve competition 3. Benefit to consumers is ensured by price reduction of 15% in comparison to 2G services 11 4. Principles, objectives, design and outcome are consistent with international best practice.
4. Next challenge of regulatory tasks new context of technological convergence Technological Convergence between Telecommunications Media and ICT s Telecommunications Infrastructure Voice Services Media Infrastructures Media and Radio Services Digitalization ICT s Infrastructure Informatics Applications Regulation should be imposed only where necessary and must not block market development
4. Next challenge of regulatory tasks Telecoms Broadcasting Expiration of concession contracts in several bands (900, 1800 MHz) will be available for auction interim consumer protection measure in transitory period Digital TV auction (digital switchover) Convergence Harmonization of digital dividend spectrum 13
5. Conclusion Increasing cooperation at both regional and international levels End of monopoly and shift to liberalization - More competition among sectors - Better infrastructure -Benefit for Thai consumers -Benefit for Thai industry 14
Q&A? Thank you ขอบค ณคร บ/ค ะ 15