In a move to enhance public safety, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved the implementation of a cell broadcast system for disaster alerts by two leading mobile operators, Advanced Info Services (AIS) and True Corporation. This decision, announced on September 17, follows successful trials conducted earlier this year.
The new system allows emergency text alerts, complete with audible warnings, to be sent directly to all mobile users within the operators’ network range, without requiring a special application. According to Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting secretary-general of the NBTC, the companies are currently installing additional cell towers, which are expected to become fully operational by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.
As an incentive for their involvement in this initiative, the NBTC will reduce the Universal Service Obligation (USO) contributions of AIS and True for three years, though details of the financial relief have yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, the NBTC is awaiting further information before approving a similar system proposed by the state-run National Telecom company.
Additionally, the NBTC is planning to test an emergency broadcast system on digital terrestrial television through the Royal Thai Army’s Channel 5. This expansion aims to boost disaster preparedness across multiple communication channels.
