Bangkok, The Consumer Council confirmed that the NBTC must stop the merger of internet services between AIS and 3BB because it will increase the price by approximately 9.5% - 22.9% if the NBTC still refuses. Refusing its own power to stop this merger, the Consumer Council will ask the NBTC to resign and cease performing duties immediately, while the NBTC Board has scheduled a special board meeting for this Friday. to consider such matters
According to the Chairman of the Broadcasting Business Committee Television business and the National Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Saranaboonbaichaiphruek has recently held a press conference claiming that it does not have the authority to allow the merger of internet services between Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited or AWN and Triple T Broadband Public Company Limited or 3BB. The Consumer Council considers this to be indicative. Showing the impartiality of the NBTC Chairman in such cases. As if this consideration The chairman has full authority to make decisions, not the NBTC committee. which has a total of 7 directors (including the chairman)
This stance contradicts the opinions of legal experts, politicians, TDRI academics and consumer organizations. There is a consensus that this is the power of the NBTC Board. The whole group is not under the authority of the NBTC Chairman. alone in considering holding businesses of the same type or merging And companies that expressed their intention to merge asked the NBTC to consider such a merger.
It can be seen that if the president has given up his authority, he considers that the NBTC does not have the authority to grant permission. All you can do is acknowledge. It will be a repeat of the act of causing damage to consumers for the second time after the first time the resolution was summed up to acknowledge the merger of two giant mobile phone companies, True and DTAC, in October. 2022, after which the damage to consumers was evident. suggestive expression And the lack of impartiality of the president is equivalent to opening the way for more monopolies in the telecommunications business. This creates exploitation of consumers that is difficult to resolve if the NBTC refuses to perform its duties in regulating the telecommunications business. The Consumer Council requests that you cease your duties. and immediately resigned from the position
As a result of a study by 101 Policy Research in collaboration with the Consumer Council, it can be seen that the impacts on consumers that will occur from the merger between AIS and 3BB will be widespread, such as
(1) It will affect home internet users differently according to area. Consumers may pay between 9.5% and 22.9% more in areas where there is overlapping competition and few competitors.
(2) Telecommunications service providers are increasingly likely to connect home internet services with mobile phones. This leaves two major mobile phone companies with potential. Other competitors in the home internet market will become less competitive. In the future, the home internet market may be left with 2 main players based on mobile phone companies.
(3) NBTC must regulate the home internet and mobile phone markets to compete separately. It provides a stand-alone service that is a real choice for consumers. and promote competition in the home internet market in every area
The Consumer Council therefore asks the NBTC to consider and use the power of the committee to consider this matter. It is not allowed to hold businesses of the same type or to allow mergers to occur this time.
As for the impact that has already occurred from the merger of the same type of business between True Corporation Public Company Limited and Total Access Communication Public Company Limited or DTAC, it was found that the new company What happened after the merger was True Corporation Public Company Limited seizing the opportunity to change packages for consumers against their will. This makes the price more expensive by 100 baht each, creating a burden for consumers to make unnecessary complaints. The quality of the internet system has been reduced to the point of causing usability problems. Especially using it to send LINE and data. There are problems with using the phone, causing it to turn on and off, etc.
However, the NBTC cannot take enforcement action. Conditions of the merger according to the agreement that was made can extinguish both companies. Such as service rates and service contracts, including:
1) Setting a price ceiling on the average service rate A. by reducing the average service rate by 12 percent within 90 days after the merger B. There is a choice of prices separated by service to provide an alternative C. . Submit cost information and necessary information by having an inspection agency. D. Have the person notifying the business merger announce it to service users. There will be an inspection and there will be penalties if it cannot be done, such as a fine of a percentage of the income. or adjusted to steps and revoke the license
2) Service fee pricing Using the economic average price (Average Cost Pricing)
3) Maintaining consumer choice Requiring True Move H Communication Co., Ltd. (TUC) and DTAC TriNet Co., Ltd. (DTN) to maintain separate service brands for a period of 3 years.
4) Service contract TUC Company and DTN Company must maintain the terms of the contract and agreement between the company and the user. Including benefits received according to the contract or agreement for the period specified in the contract, unless it is a change in the terms of the contract that is favorable or beneficial and has been agreed by the user.
5) Publicizing services to ensure the confidence of service users after the business combination. TUC Company and DTN Company must publicize and disseminate information to the public. To make service users aware of the maintenance of service quality and fair service fees. and guidelines must be established to maintain the quality of products and services after the business combination. The NBTC Office may determine guidelines and implementation periods. Including conditions for public relations practices. for TUC Company and DTN Company to continue operations
As for the Broadcasting Commission Television business and the National Telecommunications Commission or NBTC will have a board meeting. The NBTC has a special meeting No. 12/2023 on Friday, November 10th, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the NBTC Administration Building, with an urgent agenda to be presented for consideration, namely reporting on Business merger between Advanced Wireless Network Company Limited and Triple T Broadband Public Company Limited.
Source: Thai News Agency