28/06/2012 -The head of the EU delegation in Thailand is calling on the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to revise new draft regulations on foreign dominance or risk violating World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, says a source at the regulator.
David Lipman, ambassador and head of the EU delegation to Thailand, submitted a letter in opposition to the NBTC’s new foreign dominance regulations, saying the rules were not in compliance with WTO agreements and national treatment commitments.
Mr Lipman will meet with the NBTC to discuss the issue today, said an NBTC member.
Last month the NBTC approved a draft of new regulations to prevent foreign dominance of local telecom operators. The regulations are expected to become effective in August.
The rules will be enforced under the authority of the 2010 Frequency Allocation Act and 2001 Telecom Business Act and be used when the NBTC auctions 2.1-gigahertz of third generation (3G) spectrum licences in October.
The term dominance in the draft means having direct or indirect control or influence on local telecom operators in determining business policies, management, operations, and the appointment of the ranks, including directors and top executives.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/300041/eu-concerned-about-draft-telecom-law