SPOTLIGHT: VoIP in Thailand master plan

Thailand's National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is promoting local VoIP software development to reduce the country's "heavy reliance" on imports, and the project is part of an industry master plan to ultimately export Thailand-developed technology.

As the worldwide market moves to IP, industry leaders see the potential for growth. Currently, only two Thai companies produce VoIP software and IP PBX products.  In 2006, Thailand imported $260 million in telecommunications and IT equipment. It also imports up to 40 million mobile handsets per year.

NTC's R&D arm is promoting projects in several key areas, including VoIP, wireless broadband access, optical communications, and next generation networks.

For more:
- Bangkok Post reports on Thailand VoIP development aspirations. Article [1].

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