The talks focused on three topics, with the first the result of tests of WiFi technology at Ramathibodi Hospital that used the full 6GHz band, reports the Bangkok Post.
Late last year the Wi-Fi Alliance, some of its members, and the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, completed a pilot trial showcasing the value of full-band 6GHz WiFi in healthcare. The test was supported by the NBTC.
The testing revealed an increase in network data throughput of more than two times and a 400% reduction in latency when using full-band 6GHz compared with using only the lower part of the band.
According to the NBTC, this indicates the full band can efficiently serve virtual medical learning in a dense internet usage environment, as well as distance learning.
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit organisation that owns the WiFi trademark.
The second topic was an economic study estimating utilisation of the 6GHz spectrum could generate more than 1.8 trillion baht in value for the Thai economy by 2030.
The third issue was a potential trial of an Automated Frequency Coordination system to efficiently manage spectrum use in dense internet-use areas.
Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC chairman, said the commission will carefully consider all approaches regarding use of the 6GHz band to ensure the public interest is maximised.
The regulator is open to collaboration with all parties on spectrum development, he said.
The discussion included Dr Sarana, some NBTC commissioners, Catherine Spillman, minister counsellor at the US embassy in Thailand, and representatives from the Wi-Fi Alliance and the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, as well as global technology firms HPE Aruba, Meta and Cisco.
According to the NBTC, Ms Spillman said the US is proud to partner with the regulator to exchange knowledge and test new technologies to promote modern and secure connectivity in the region.
The Wi-Fi Alliance said the ecosystems for WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 equipment are now ready.
Thailand’s WiFi network operates on the 2400MHz-2483.5MHz, 5150MHz-5850MHz, and 5925-6425MHz bands, with the last one the lower part of the 6GHz spectrum.
The upper band of 6GHz is being tested for telecom service.
A source at the Digital Economy and Society Ministry who requested anonymity previously told the Bangkok Post the US said Thailand should fully open up its local telecom market as part of tariff negotiations between the nations.
The source said the US also asked Thailand to define the WiFi frequency standard here to include the upper band of 6GHz.