Existing laws related to frequency allocation may obstruct the rise of fifth-generation (5G) mobile services, which are likely to be commercialised globally in 2020.
While Thailand faces delays in its 4G mobile auctions, many developed countries are talking about 5G, whose frequency allocation and use suit future changes in communications behaviour.
The next generation of communications will not only be person-to-person but also mixed communications between people and machines, the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), that accesses and shares information efficiently, comfortably and safely.
Jesada Sivaraks, secretary to the vice-chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), said the dawn of 5G mobile services would offer a lot of opportunities for Thailand to push itself to become a 5G technology maker, similar to Japan, South Korea and China, early adopters of 3G and 4G technology.
The IoT will increase dual line speed 10 times and diversify telecom services, he said.
"The 5G revolution is interesting to many countries as it involves the entire economy and not just the telecom sector. Thailand should be a technology creator, not just a buyer," said Mr Jesada.
The initial launch of 5G mobile services here could combine telecom services and automobiles for a technology called vehicular telemetrics that will help reduce fuel consumption and increase driving security. Smart homes, offices and logistics would be the next phase.
5G needs a wide range of frequency bands from 400 megahertz to 300 gigahertz, while the concept of frequency use will change from exclusive rights to spectrum sharing for some frequency bands, he said.
Due to the changing definition of frequency allocation, Mr Jesada said the frequency allocation law is not suitable for 5G. The Frequency Allocation Act was designed with the misunderstanding that frequency is an unlimited resource.
Frequency allocation should maximise frequency use for all people, not be based on generating high revenue through sales, he said.
The Frequency Allocation Act's Sections 45 and 46 state frequency is an exclusive right, not transferable or to be shared with others.
To create maximum value for frequency, an auction is not the best method to allocate frequency, as 3G services failed in Britain and Germany because the operators had no money to expand network sites, he said.
"It will be impossible to drive 5G technology in Thailand if the exclusive right concept for frequency still exists here," said Mr Jesada.