Telecenter development in Thailand : guidelines for Thai policy makers | |
| Author | Narisara Sivara |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.SM-04-32 |
| Subject(s) | Telecommunication policy--Thailand Telecommunication--Thailand |
| Note | A research study submitted in paiiial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration. School of Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. SM-04-32 |
| Abstract | This study examines some of the main telecenter experiments in developing countries, with pa1ticular reference to a success case, to help guide telecenter actions. As part of the study, the study perform a comparison and evaluation of the international telecenter projects in respect of factors affect the success of telecenter. Given the differing stages of implementation of each project, the mission took the fmm of learning experiences of the telecenter in Pern, Indian, South Africa and Malaysia sites. Additional information on experiences in other countries was obtained from secondary sources. The study results provide a guide line for telecenter development in Thailand as followings: Planner should undertake a national community tele-needs analysis, based upon a geographic settlement pattern framework. These areas should be declared Priority Telecenter Areas (PTAs). The policy maker and regulator's policies concerning the deployment of backbone network and access facilities needs to address these gaps effectively, to ensure that all telecenters that might be established will be able to connect fully with the national network. There should be a specific tariff policies for telecenters. Coordination and involvement from a wide range of interested patties can take the fotm of formal taskforces or public-private partnerships, and should include the local level to ensure that initiatives are demand-driven and implementation incorporates bottom-up approaches. NECTEC together with the Government Communication and Information Service and the Library service must work to develop information of use in local telecenters and generating a local content ICT framework Telecenter projects should be encouraged to link with local media - especially community radio and local newspapers. The combination of infotmation interaction that the internet allows together with the mass reach of radio provides a very powerful tool for development. Setup the central training center to provide a formal training for manager and staff. The set up telecenters in these areas should facilitate new telecenter with other state bodies to provide service in some of these areas such as schools, libraries or post offices. Smaller telecenters could be designed, which would expand and grow only if and when demand and affordability allowed this. It is clear that some poorer areas are going to require long term subsidy to provide telecenter-type services. Whether this is a sufficient national priority for ongoing public funding is a political question. The Department of Communications should embark on a serious debate on the issue of lifeline subsidies and cross-subsidization of services for the poor. Minister needs to enlighten his colleagues in Cabinet, what !CT means or what the lack of !CT means to future development. We can then move on with the implementation of a New Generation access for all strategy |
| Year | 2004 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. SM-04-32 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Management (SOM) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Publication code=SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Tang, John C. S.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Do Ba Khang ;Donyaprueth Krairit ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | TOT Corporation Public Company Limited ; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004 |