Thailand’s big three cellcos oppose tariff caps
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Thailand’s three largest mobile operators – AIS, Dtac and True Move – have united to oppose current regulations capping tariffs for 3G and 4G services.
The operators brought up their opposition a group discussion with regulator NBTC on Monday.
Revising the regulations would encourage greater competition and stimulate the further development of mobile networks and services, the operators claimed.
They have argued that existing caps have diminished the development of service packages, distorted price mechanisms and impeded the operation of an open and competitive market.
Currently the NBTC caps the maximum 3G tariff at 0.82 baht ($0.02) per minute for voice service, 1.33 baht per SMS, 3.32 baht for MMS and 0.28 baht for data services. The equivalent 4G limits are 0.69 baht, 1.15 baht, 3.11 baht and 0.26 baht respectively.
A representative for Dtac stated that other mobile markets with the same level of development as Thailand do not impose tariff caps, and noted that tariffs in Thailand are among the lowest in the ASEAN region.
Questions & Answers
Q.What reason did the mobile operators give for opposing the current tariff caps?
What reason did the mobile operators give for opposing the current tariff caps?
The operators claim that existing caps have hindered the development of service packages. They also believe the caps have distorted price mechanisms and impeded an open, competitive market in Thailand.
Q.Who are the three largest mobile operators mentioned in the article?
Who are the three largest mobile operators mentioned in the article?
The three largest mobile operators in Thailand that have united to oppose the tariff caps are AIS, Dtac, and True Move. They discussed their opposition with the NBTC regulator.
Q.How do tariffs in Thailand compare to other mobile markets, according to Dtac?
How do tariffs in Thailand compare to other mobile markets, according to Dtac?
A Dtac representative stated that other mobile markets at Thailand's development level do not impose tariff caps. Tariffs in Thailand are also noted to be among the lowest in the ASEAN region.
Q.What is the current maximum 4G tariff for data services?
What is the current maximum 4G tariff for data services?
The current maximum 4G tariff for data services is 0.26 baht. This is slightly lower than the 3G data cap of 0.28 baht, according to the NBTC regulations.
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