The government has agreed in principle to apply incentives, including tax privileges, as a tool to promote the industrial sector using 5G technology in its production.
According to deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, yesterday's first meeting of the National 5G Committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed that incentives such as a corporate income tax cut, special funding and soft loans would be instrumental to encouraging the private sector to rapidly adopt 5G technology.
"The committee sees the need for the government to promote the industrial sector, both for large and small firms, to upgrade itself to become smart companies," she said.
According to Ms Rachada, the committee also agreed yesterday to offer tax incentives to fibre-optic network development for 5G, saying related agencies would be tasked with studying the details of those incentives.
The committee also approved three pilot projects using 5G technology: two smart agricultural schemes at the Doi Tung Development Project and Roi Jai Rak project in Chiang Rai and a smart hospital project at Siriraj Hospital.
Ms Rachada said the committee acknowledged the progress of 5G tech adoption in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The EEC is required to promote 5G adoption to cover 50% of its area by 2021.
The 26-member National 5G Committee was formed in May with Gen Prayut 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 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.
The committee will promote a clear roadmap for 5G adoption and infrastructure development by ensuring the participation of representatives from key ministries.
The NBTC wrote to the prime minister earlier this year with a request to form the committee, citing a critical need.
The commission said similar 5G committees have been set up in several neighbouring countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
