Mr.Trirat Wiriyasirikul Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission or NBTC Office Prepare to propose a project”Half of the internet per person” forState welfare card holders More than 14 million cases have been considered by the Cabinet (Cabinet) on 28 Oct. 2025 using budget support from the Broadcasting, Television and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for the Public Benefit (NBTC Fund) to improve internet access opportunities for low-income groups so that they can benefit from education equally.
In consultation with the mobile phone service provider. (Operator) has negotiated with the private sector stating that Service is priced at 199 baht per month excluding VAT. But Mr. Trairat stated that it must be lower than that. Therefore, it is concluded that the service rates in ‘Half-Half Internet Project‘ At 160 baht including VAT, internet speed (data) is 40 GB per month for 3 billing cycles.
The next step will be to propose measures to solve this problem. Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) to present to the Cabinet (Cabinet) on 28 Oct.
However, even though the project will directly reduce internet costs for the people, But the big problem that is an obstacle is the state welfare card holder. Many still use 2G mobile phones, which do not support internet use. both in terms of speed and ability in basic functions. For this reason, the government is preparing to discuss with mobile phone service providers. (Operator) to consider measures to support changing or upgrading equipment to support 4G or 5G systems.
We ask for cooperation with mobile phone companies. Let’s find measures to come up with a package to change the current population’s mobile phones to smartphones. To go along with the plan to cancel the use of 2G and 3G networks.
Reporters reported that previously the NBTC office was in the process of conducting a public hearing on guidelines for determining and regulating the structure of mobile phone service rates within the country. For the implementation of the NBTC announcement on determining and supervising the maximum rate of domestic mobile phone service charges in excess of the usage rights of the main promotional program. and prepare a new draft of the NBTC announcement.
The NBTC Office will prepare to propose to the NBTC to find guidelines for regulating mobile phone service fees to be consistent with market conditions, competition, and changing costs. Including taking care of consumers to have options for use.
Mr. Trairat said that the essence of today’s consideration It is about finding ways to improve the supervision of mobile phone service rates. This has been enforced since 2020 to reflect the current situation in which the telecommunications industry has changed greatly. It has been proposed to improve service rates for initial main promotional programs or Blue Flag Package Previously it was set to not exceed 240 baht per month, expected to be a New Year’s gift to the people. To be cheaper by specifying usage rights to be consistent with current usage. This includes voice and mobile internet services only, excluding SMS and MMS services.
As for the new service charge that has been reduced. It comes from calculating the average revenue per number per month from mobile phone services received from monthly and top-up users. That is, users will get lower service fees for essential basic services, namely calling and using high-speed mobile internet. which can replace the behavior of using SMS and MMS
in addition NBTC Office It has proposed guidelines for service providers to have at least two types of initial main promotional programs or Blue Flag packages: Pay Per Use and Flat Rate services.
which the NBTC office has great confidence in that this review of the mobile phone service rate structure and presenting this approach It will promote fair competition in telecommunications services. Maintain efficiency and is truly of the highest benefit to consumers
