National 5G Committee welcomes 26 members

The 26-member National 5G Committee has been formed with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as chairman to coordinate the nation's 5G development in line with the digital economy roadmap.

The committee is also responsible for handling the recall of unused spectrum ranges from state agencies for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), in exchange for compensation.

The panel will not intervene in spectrum auctions or determining licence prices, according to officials.

The order establishing the committee was signed by Gen Prayut on May 13. The committee is expected to enhance cooperation between related agencies for 5G development support.

Deputy prime ministers Somkid Jatusripitak, Prawit Wongsuwon and Wissanu Krea-ngam serve as the deputy chairmen of the committee.

The permanent secretary for the Digital Economy and Society Ministry serves as the director and secretary of the committee.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the committee will promote a clear roadmap for 5G adoption and infrastructure development by ensuring the participation of representatives from key ministries.

Earlier this year, the NBTC wrote to the prime minister with a request to form the committee, citing a critical need.

The NBTC said similar 5G committees have been set up in several neighbouring countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.