Lack of Regulator Deters New Entrants in Thailand's Satellite Market.

Byline: Kanchana Pleumjit

Nov. 2--Although Thailand has opened its market for satellite transponder services and the eight years of protection for the sole local provider, Shin Satellite, ended in September 1999, so far no foreign service providers have been allowed to enter the market.

One reason is the lack of a national regulator and licensing body. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) was supposed to have begun operating last year but selection of its members remains bogged down by political squabbling.

Another reason is the long delay in finding a formula to convert existing telecommunications concessions, according to an official in the Transport and Communications Ministry.

In theory, the satellite market was thrown open when the protection for Shin expired two years ago. Since then, several service providers in both Asia and the United States, such as PanAmsat, Palapa, AsiaSat and Apstar, have shown interest in entering the local market.

The companies have inquired about the market and how to apply for licences. However, the ministry has told the companies that it has no authority to issue licences and they must await the formation of the NTC.

The official said that foreign transponder service providers saw room for expansion in Thailand despite the dominance of Shin Satellite.