Thailand to introduce IoT regulations next year

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to introduce a series of regulations governing the Internet of Things next year, ahead of the commercial arrival of 5G.

Earlier this year, the regulator established a committee to draft a regulatory framework for IoT and connected devices, the Bangkok Post reported. 

This committee has been exploring initial regulatory conditions across five categories, covering numbering and identification, spectrum and technical standards, transmission and competition permissions, security and privacy, as well as data collection and interoperability.

But the report noted that the design of the regulation will depend on the final shape of the planned Personal Data Protection Law, which will be used to determine what kind of data can be collected and used for the purpose of furthering the public interest.

The NBTC board recently approved the use of IoT devices in the 400-MHz spectrum range, specifically for smart meter connectivity in the utilities sector. Last year, the regulator also assigned the 920-MHz to 925-MHz spectrum range for unlicensed IoT connectivity.

In terms of numbering, an NBTC committee recently agreed in principle to use a 15-digit numbering scheme, in line with standards developed by the ITU.

Regulations governing numbering and identification will cover numbering fees, registration for usage, number portability and other related matters, the report states.