Internet in Thailand

Last updated

Thailand's connection to the Internet began in 1987 via the Australian Research and Edcuation Network using UUCP and SUNIII [1] which transformed to full TCP/IP in 1992 to UUNET. [2] This marked Thailand as an early participant in bringing the Internet to Asia.

Contents

As of 2021, Thailand has made significant progress, with an 85% internet penetration rate [3] and according to Ookla's insight in November 2022, Thailand ranked the fourth in the world for the fastest fixed broadband internet, with the median download speed of 205.63 Mbps. [4] This places Thailand right behind Chile, China, and Singapore.

By 2023, the internet penetration rate brought notable changes to Thailand's approach to news and media. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reported a shift towards digital media as a key source for political news and discussions. [5] Newer media outlets started to challenge traditional news reporting, altering long-standing journalistic practices. This change is reflected in the growing preference for getting news from online platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. [6]

The majority of broadband internet access uses Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) and VDSL. Some areas are covered by cable modems (using Docsis), G.shdsl and fibre to the home (FTTH). Consumer broadband internet bandwidth ranges from 10 Mbit/s to 300 Mbit/s (Up to 1 Gbit/s in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket). Medium and large businesses use leased lines or Ethernet Internet/MPLS where fiber optic cables link many office buildings in the central business district areas such as Bangkok's Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathorn areas to the Thailand internet backbone.

A 3G UMTS/HSDPA network was launched in Bangkok and vicinity in December 2009 with speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s on the 2100 MHz band. In late-2011, Telephone Organization of Thailand released 3G on HSPA+ technology covering all areas in Bangkok with speeds up to 42 Mbit/s. Major mobile network operators in Thailand also have released their 3G services at around the same time on the 850 MHz and 900 MHz bands with the same technology and connection speed. FTTH with speeds up to 1 Gbit/s is available in limited areas in major cities, including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. 5G Cellular services were offered by AIS and True Move starting in 2020.

Thailand saw a rapid growth in the number of broadband users in 2005 with the initiation of unmetered broadband in 2004. [7] There are 3,399,000 (2012) internet hosts in Thailand, the highest in Southeast Asia. [8]

A 2013 study found that Thais spend an average of 16 hours on the internet per week. [9]

Internet domain names

Internet backbones

International and domestic bandwidth

[10] [11]

Month/YearInternational Bandwidth (Gbit/s)Domestic Bandwidth (Gbit/s)
09/202116,5909,924
04/202012,3188,666
08/20199,3777,629
05/20186,6285,870
08/20174,7504,358
08/20163,1443,794
08/20151,9542,768
08/20141,0081,833
08/20136401,300
08/20124071,021
08/2010158721
12/2009104619
12/200855251
12/200722157
12/20061054
12/2005729
12/2004321
12/2003210
12/200212
12/20010.61.089
12/20000.250.58

As of April 2020, Thailand had 12,317,648 Mbit/s international bandwidth and 8,666,005 Mbit/s domestic bandwidth. [12]

Demand for international bandwidth has increased dramatically due to the popularity of social networking services such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and increased number of broadband internet subscribers.

International gateways (IP transit)

There are 10 international internet gateway operators in Thailand.

CodeNameOperator
BBConnect-IIGBB Connect Internet GatewayBB Connect
CAT-IIGInternational Internet GatewayCAT Telecom
CSL-IIGCS Loxinfo International Internet GatewayCS Loxinfo
DTAC-IIGTotal Access Communication International Internet GatewayDtac
JASTEL-IIGJasTel International Internet GatewayJastel
Symphony-IIGSymphony International Internet GatewaySymphony Communication
AWN-IIGAWN International Internet GatewayAdvanced Wireless Network
TCCT-IIGTCCT International Internet GatewayTCC Technology
TIG-IIGTrue International Internet GatewayTrue Internet
TOT-IIGTOT International Internet GatewayTOT

True Corporation and Shin Corporation were granted Type II International Internet Gateway and Internet Exchange Service Licenses from the NTC (National Telecommunication Committee) in 2005. CAT Telecom holds the largest share of the market. [13]

Domestic Internet eXchange

There are 11 domestic Internet exchange points in Thailand. [14]

Internet eXchange point

Before 2003, IIR Public Internet Exchange was the largest internet exchange point in Thailand. As of August 2003, it is mandatory for all ISPs to have a presence in the National Internet Exchange (CAT-NIX) operated by CAT Telecom. CAT-NIX, TIG-NIX, TOT-NIX and TTGN-NIX are primary internet exchanges used by commercial internet service providers. Later, CAT-NIX rebranded itself to Thailand IX and invited international internet players to join its IX. Currently, Thailand IX is the largest internet eXchange point in Thailand with more than 250 Gbit/s bandwidth. Links between different internet exchanges are now set up, reducing domestic bandwidth costs.

The IIR Public Internet Exchange is now maintained by NECTEC and is used only for academic and research purposes. The only commercial internet service provider connected to the IIR Public Internet Exchange is Internet Thailand.

Internet service providers

Rights to operate as an internet service provider in Thailand are granted by the NTC (National Telecommunications Council). [17]

Most broadband internet access in Thailand is offered via ADSL technology. Before 2002, broadband internet access was offered at more than 25,000 baht per month for a typical speed of 256 kbit/s. In 2002, TOT sparked a low-cost broadband internet war that caused rapid growth in broadband internet demands and has changed the way all the ISPs operate. With a ground-breaking price for an unlimited 256 kbit/s, TOT gained popularity among online gamers in Thailand. However, TOT was unable to provide services to the majority of people in Bangkok due to the fact that half of the fixed line telephone system was operated by Telecom Asia Co., Ltd (now known as True Corporation) under a concession. At the same time, Asia InfoNet started its own ADSL service with a "free online game airtime" strategy since they also operate Ragnarok Online, the most famous online game at that time. Outside of Bangkok, TT&T teamed up with CAT Telecom to provide unlimited 2 Mbit/s ADSL service after three months of operation.

It is commonly believed that the popularity of online gaming at that time sparked the demand for broadband internet in Thailand.[ citation needed ]

Most broadband internet users in Thailand complain about the ISPs not being able to provide the speeds they promised. Many internet service providers have high contention ratios on home ADSL packages, sometimes up to 1:50. There was also limited international bandwidth due to CAT Telecom being the sole provider of an international internet gateway, but this has improved since the liberalization of internet gateway operations in 2005. At that time, most ISPs focused on expanding their domestic connections to accommodate online gaming demands. This led to a comeback of premium ADSL packages at a higher price for premium home users and corporate customers. Many users still argue that these packages will still not improve the international bandwidth availability for home users. Internet service providers are usually also criticized for throttling BitTorrent traffic.

Recently, there were dramatic increases in international bandwidth after the NTC authorized more ISPs to set up their own international internet gateways to cope with the growth in demand for contents requiring higher bandwidth.

In early-2009, Jasmine International launched ADSL services under the "3BB" brand in major cities offering speeds up to 3 Mbit/s for 590 baht. This prompted True Internet to expand their services to 8 Mbit/s from 5 Mbit/s and match 3BB prices.

In mid-2009, 3BB offered minimum speed 4 Mbit/s for 590 baht and expanded their services from 8 Mbit/s to 10 Mbit/s 1,490 baht per month, prompting True Internet to temporarily offer free upgrades for current 8 Mbit/s users to 12 Mbit/s. All of Maxnet's customers were also transferred to 3BB as part of the TT&T debt rehabilitation plan proposed by the debt holders. As of October 2009, True offers speeds up to 16 Mbit/s.

TOT and ADC have a local loop unbundling agreement allowing for ADC to provide ADSL services on TOT phone lines. Since most telephone wires in major cities are still on poles and not underground, there is no limit to how many phone lines can enter a building. This has prompted many ISPs to offer DSL services without phone service. A new wire is simply run to the premises requiring the service, bypassing the need for any further local loop unbundling agreements.

Despite the improvement of the internet in Thailand, there are still network issues, mostly concerning network latency. The delay on the network itself proved to be deleterious to competitive online gaming. Players claimed to have network issues which lost them games.

Wired

ISP NameTechnologySpeedAdditional Information
AIS Fibre (now known as AIS-3BB Fibre 3)VDSL2, FTTH, Leased LineUp to 2 Gbit/s [18] [19] 10 million FTTH homepass in 2016
True InternetADSL2+, VDSL2, Cable Modem, G.shdsl/SDSL, Leased Line, MPLS, FTTHUp to 2 Gbit/s [20] [21] True uses both CAT IIG and its own international gateway. Also True usually bundle their internet package with cable TV by TrueVisions and mobile cellular data by TrueMove H. [22]
3BB (AIS) (now known as AIS-3BB Fibre 3)ADSL2+ (Converted to VDSL [23] ), VDSL2, Leased Line, FTTH(Currently available in some areas)Up to 1 Gbit/s, [24] 3BB offers FTTH at 1 Gbit/s. Jasmine International used to be joint with TT&T and operated under the name "Maxnet". Now operates under the name "3BB". (Three Broadband). A 99.87% stake in 3BB was purchased by AIS for $908million in November 2023. [25]
TOTADSL2+, Leased Line, FTTH(Available in some areas)Up to 1 Gbit/s [26] TOT offers FTTH in Bangkok with speeds up to 1 Gbit/s. TOT is expanding their broadband internet services in provincial areas where it owns almost all fixed line telephone infrastructure.
CAT TelecomADSL, G.shdsl/SDSL, Cable, Leased Line, FTTH4 Mbit/s, 10 Mbit/s, 50 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s, 1 Gbit/sIt has teamed up with some local cable television providers to provide broadband via cable up to 10 Mbit/s.
KSC InternetDial-up, ADSL, Leased Lineowned by True Corporation but branded for the upper-end market. Founded in 1994 as a joint venture between Internet Knowledge Center Co., Ltd. (IKSC) and the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT), KSC was the first commercial Internet service provider (ISP) in Thailand. [27]
CS LoxinfoDial-up, ADSL, Leased Line, Fiber, MPLSUp to 1 Gbit/sPart of InTouch Group. Corporate-customer focused with SME broadband options. Services cover Bangkok and provincial areas. Bangkok downtown area customers are also offered high-speed CSL-Symphony Gigabit Ring access options.
KIRZIPLC, Leased Line, Metro Ethernet, FTTx10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s, 1 Gbit/s, 10 Gbit/sKIRZ offer a variety of services to customers through our data centers and over our fiber-optic networks, including video, high-speed internet, advanced voice and KIRZ Secure digital protection solutions. Working with partners, KIRZ Business Edge offers communications solutions to small, medium, and large businesses.
TT&TADSLTT&T no longer operates as an ISP due to the company's recent restructuring and debt rehabilitation plan. All of the previous TT&T and Maxnet Internet customers were transferred to 3BB.
Buddy BroadbandADSLOperated by Advance Datanetwork Communications (ADC), part of Shin Corporation telecommunications conglomerate. Buddy Broadband (commonly known as BuddyBB) offers internet access only through ADSL technology. Unlike other ISPs, BuddyBB has integrated its Internet service with IPTV service. The other difference is that BuddyBB has only the connection speed of 2 Mbit/s but with only 256 kbit/s for international connections for its cheapest package. Higher-end packages have higher international connection speeds. Full BuddyBB service with IPTV is only available in Bangkok and nearby provinces, however, it operates its ADSL Internet service in major cities such as Chiang Mai and Phuket with different packages and pricing through resellers. As of January 2012, they offer speeds up to 8 Mbit/s in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Internet ThailandDial-up, ADSL, Leased LineFirst commercial ISP in Thailand [28]
PacnetDial-up, ADSL, G.shdsl/SDSL, Leased Line, EthernetFocuses on corporate customers
Jasmine InternetDial-up, ADSL, Leased LineNot to be confused with Jasmine International
ISSPDial-up, ADSL, Leased Line
Samart Dial-up, ADSL, G.shdsl/SDSL, Leased Line
A-NetDial-up, ADSL, Leased Line
Otaro/InterNetworkDial-up, ADSL, Leased Line
Proen InternetDial-up, ADSL, Leased Line
Far East Internet
Reach Thailand
Sanuk SystemsFTTH, ADSL100 Mbit/sFocuses on hospitality, resorts and hotels, expat communities and condominiums in tourist areas.
Chomanan Worldnet
KIRZ Internet
Thai-FiG.shdsl/SDSL, Leased Line, Cable4 Mbit/s, 5 Mbit/s, 8 Mbit/s, 10 Mbit/s, 12 Mbit/s, 16Mbit/s [29] Thai-Fi is the registered trademark of JCMR Co., Ltd., a Thai company founded in 2003 by US and Thai citizens which provides wireless network design, installation, configuration, security, and maintenance to apartment, condominium, and office buildings, offices, hotels, cafes, restaurants, individual residences and businesses using 802.11 technology.
WorldWeb
Beenets/UIH
Milcom
Loxley
ISPIO (NIPA)
TCC TechnologyFiber,MPLS,Leased Line
NTT

Wireless

ISP NameTechnologySpeedAdditional Information
Advance Info Service (AIS)UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+ 3.9G, 4G LTE/ LTE-AUp to 42 Mbit/s, 4G Up to 400 Mbit/sHSPA+ is currently operated on the 2100 MHz band. AIS Won 4G 1800 MHz 4G LTE is currently operated on the 1800 MHz, LTE Advance Run On 1800 MHz/2100 MHz/900 MHz
CAT Telecom3G UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+ 3.9GUp to 42 Mbit/sCoverage is 76 provinces on the 850 MHz band.
DTACGPRS, EDGE, UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+/LTE 3.9G 4GUp to 42 Mbit/s, 4G Up to 126 Mbit/sMobile Internet services recently underwent heavy rebranding as 'DTAC Internet'. UMTS/HSDPA 3.9G is available nationwide on the 850 MHz and 2100 MHz band. Currently, LTE is available in Bangkok metropolitan area utilizing 1800 MHz / 2100 MHz band.
i-Kool 3GHSDPA 3.5GUp to 7.2 Mbit/sUMTS/HSDPA 3.5G coverage is Bangkok and vicinity on the 2100 MHz band. Currently offering 3G services on TOT 3G's network. The network is run and operated by Loxley.
Mojo 3GHSDPA 3.5GUp to 7.2 Mbit/sUMTS/HSDPA 3.5G coverage is Bangkok and vicinity on the 2100 MHz band. Currently offering 3G services on TOT 3G's network. The network is run and operated by Mconzult.
TOTUMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+ 3.9G, Wi-FiUp to 42 Mbit/sUMTS/HSDPA 3.9G coverage is Bangkok and vicinity on the 2100 MHz band
TrueMoveGPRS, EDGEUp to 256 kbit/sTrue has the largest coverage of over 15,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Bangkok. This boost has been coupled with the Bangkok Green Wifi project, covering many outdoor areas on main roads.
RealMove/Truemove H Universal Communication (TrueMove-H)UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+ 3.9G 4G LTE/ LTE-A, Wi-FiUp to 42 Mbit/s, LTE Up to 150 Mbit/s, LTE Advance Up to 225 Mbit/s.True is the first 4G mobile operator in Thailand Truemove H Won 900 MHz and 1800 MHz 4G LTE is currently operated on the 2100 MHz 4G 900 MHz and 1800 MHz is planned
168 3G3G UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA/HSPA+ 3.9GUp to 42 Mbit/sUMTS/HSDPA 3.5G coverage is 77 provinces on the 850 MHz band. Currently offering 3G services on CAT 3G's network.

Note: For 3G, only CAT, Hutch, TOT and its MVNOs are considered as legally commercial service. In 2012, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) held an auction and approved 2100 MHz licenses to three operators (Advanced Wireless Network of Advanced Info Service (AIS), DTAC Network of Total Access Communication (DTAC), and Real Future of True Corp) [30] and 3G service under 2100 MHz is expected to operate by Q2 of 2013.

Internet data centers

This section lists the commercial internet data centers (IDC) in Thailand.

NameAddressCity
CAT Internet Data Center (Bangkok)CAT Telecom Tower, Charoen Krung RoadBangkok
CAT Internet Data Center (Chiang Mai)CAT Customer Service CenterChiang Mai
CAT Internet Data Center (Khon Kaen)CAT Customer Service CenterKhon Kaen
CAT Internet Data Center (Phuket)CAT Customer Service CenterPhuket
CSLoxinfo Internet Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower, Charoen Krung RoadBangkok
CSLoxinfo Internet Data CenterCyber World Tower (4th floor), Ratchadaphisek Road (MRT : Cultural Center)Bangkok
CSLoxinfo Internet Data CenterThe Cloud Building, Ratchada-Ramindhra Road (Ready for service : May 2014)Bangkok
Internet Thailand Public Company LimitedThai Summit Tower (10th floor) on New Petchaburi RoadBangkok
ISSP Internet Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower, Charoen Krung RoadBangkok
ISPIO (NIPA) Internet Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower (4th floor)Bangkok
KIRZ Data CenterQueen Sirikit National Convention CenterBangkok
Nettree Internet Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower (4th floor), Charoen Krung RoadBangkok
Pacnet Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower (20th floor), Charoen Krung RoadBangkok
SiamIDCCAT Telecom Tower (4th floor)Bangkok
SUPERNAP (Thailand)SUPERNAP (Thailand)Chonburi
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Thailand) STT GDC ThailandBangkok
TCC Technology Internet Data Center (Amata Nakorn)Amata Service Center, Bangna-Trad RoadChonburi
TCC Technology Internet Data Center (Bangna)TCIF Tower, Bangna-Trad RoadBangkok
TCC Technology Internet Data Center (Empire Tower)Empire Tower, Sathorn RoadBangkok
TOT Internet Data Center (Chaengwattana)TOT headquarter, Chaengwattana RoadBangkok
TOT Internet Data Center (Krung Kasem)TOT Central Office, Krung Kasem RoadBangkok
TOT Internet Data Center (Laem Chabang)TOT Central OfficeChonburi
TOT Internet Data Center (Hat Yai)TOT Central OfficeSongkhla
True Internet Data Center (True Tower)True Tower, Ratchadaphisek RoadBangkok
True Internet Data Center (MTG)Muang Thong ThaniPathum Thani
Win Internetwork (By Proen Internet)/OTARO Gigabit Data CenterCAT Telecom Tower (4th floor)Bangkok

Internet censorship

Thailand is on Reporters Without Borders list of countries under surveillance in 2011. [31] Thailand's Internet Freedom status is rated "Not Free" in the Freedom on the Net 2011 report by Freedom House, which cites substantial political censorship and the arrests of bloggers and other online users. [32]

The national constitution provides for freedom of thought, speech and press "under many conditions" but the government seriously restricts these rights. The lèse-majesté law criminalizes expression insulting the Thai king, punishable by fifteen years' imprisonment. [33]

Estimates put the number of websites blocked at over 110,000 and growing in 2010. [34] It is estimated that the Thai government spends 1.7 million baht per day on digital surveillance. [35]

Single Internet gateway

The cabinet under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and prime minister, on 30 June 2015 gave a green light to Thailand's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) and relevant agencies to move forward with plans to implement a Thai single gateway internet before the end of the 2015 fiscal budget. The plan to reduce internet gateways was initially proposed by Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung, the chief of the Royal Thai Police, as a single gateway system makes it easier for state authorities to monitor, filter, delete, and intercept information on the internet that the authorities deem inappropriate. Currently (2015), there are about 10 international internet gateway operators in Thailand. The MICT has been ordered to report the progress on the plan to the cabinet before the end of September 2015. [36]

Critics point out that from a "...systems point of view, having a single gateway and a single point of failure is a bad idea." They go on to say that, "The people of Thailand can kiss a fast internet goodbye purely from technical incompetence, not to mention all the monitoring, censoring and deep packet inspection the military want. Would VPN and encryption be outlawed? That would be a logical next step." [37]

On 30 September 2015, Thai netizens expressed their opposition to the single gateway plan by launching DDoS attacks against government websites, thereby bringing the websites down for hours. [38] [39] Those who joined the attacks referred to their action as a civil disobedience. [40] But they were threatened with years in jail by Thai police. [39] Hundreds of thousands of people have also signed a petition against the single gateway plan. [41] Despite heavy opposition, Thai authorities said they still push ahead with the plan. [42]

Internet surveillance

According to the NGO Privacy International in a September 2016 report, "The Thai military government has counted on its police force to monitor online speech in order to curb dissent. But beyond the police force itself, the ruling military government has empowered networks of citizens whom it encourages to denounce those who post online content considered contrary to government policies." [43] Following the May 2014 coup led by General Prayut, there was a sharp increase in online surveillance carried out by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the ruling junta. An updated Computer Crime Act in 2014 gave police broad powers to monitor online commentary, particularly social networking applications such as Facebook. In the two years since the coup, 527 people have been arrested, 167 tried in military court, and 68 charged with lèse-majesté. Conviction on a charge of lèse-majesté can carry a jail sentence of up to 15 years. Of the 68 cases in which people have been charged, 21 involved content posted on Facebook. [44]

The "Cyber Scout" program was originally established in 2010 by the Thai Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT)—since renamed the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The program became moribund shortly thereafter, but was revived by the NCPO following their coup d'etat. The aim of the Cyber Scouts is to encourage the "ethical and responsible use of information and communication technology" among youngsters and to create a network of young volunteers to monitor online content that could be deemed a threat to national security and the monarchy. [45] [46]

In December 2016, the junta-appointed Thai National Legislative Assembly (NLA) passed an amendment to the 2007 Computer Crime Act [47] that has been called, "...a grab bag of the worst provisions of the worst internet laws in the world, bits of the UK's Snooper's Charter, America's Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and the dregs of many other failed laws." [48] Thai officials claim the changes protect people's rights from being violated on social and digital media while enhancing the digital economy. [49] In a Bangkok Post editorial urging that the NLA reject the amendment, it noted that, "When the government first set out to revise the Computer Crime Act last year, it pledged that the change will not violate people's rights and freedoms. The resulting draft amendment shows anything but an attempt to maintain the promise. The NLA must vote it down." [50] It passed unanimously. [51]

See also

Related Research Articles

The following is an outline of communications technology in Morocco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telecommunications in South Africa</span> Overview of telecommunications in South Africa

Telecommunications infrastructure in South Africa provides modern and efficient service to urban areas, including cellular and internet services. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the watchdog of the telecommunications in the country.

Digital subscriber line is a family of technologies that are used to transmit digital data over telephone lines. In telecommunications marketing, the term DSL is widely understood to mean asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), the most commonly installed DSL technology, for Internet access.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DSLAM</span> Network device that connects DSL interfaces to a digital communications channel

A digital subscriber line access multiplexer is a network device, often located in telephone exchanges, that connects multiple customer digital subscriber line (DSL) interfaces to a high-speed digital communications channel using multiplexing techniques. Its cable internet (DOCSIS) counterpart is the cable modem termination system.

Telkom SA SOC Limited is a South African wireline and wireless telecommunications provider, operating in more than 38 countries across the African continent. Telkom is majority state-owned (55.3%) with the South African government owning 40.5% of Telkom, while another 14.8% is owned by another state-owned company - the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which is closely linked to the South African government.

Bandwidth throttling consists in the limitation of the communication speed, of the ingoing (received) or outgoing (sent) data in a network node or in a network device such as computers and mobile phones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Be Un Limited</span> Internet service provider in the UK

Be Unlimited was an Internet service provider in the United Kingdom between 2004 and 2014. Initially founded as an independent company by Boris Ivanovic and Dana Tobak in 2005, it was bought by Spanish group Telefónica Europe in 2006 before being sold on to BSkyB in March 2013 in an agreement which saw BSkyB buy the fixed telephone line and broadband business of Telefónica Europe which at the time traded under the O2 and BE brands. The deal saw BSkyB agree to pay £180 million initially, followed by a further £20 million after all customers had been transferred to Sky's existing business. The sale was subject to regulatory approval in April 2013, and was subsequently approved by the Office of Fair Trading on 16 May 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet in South Africa</span> Overview of the Internet in South Africa

The Internet in South Africa, one of the most technologically resourced countries on the African continent, is expanding. The internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .za is managed and regulated by the .za Domain Name Authority (.ZADNA) and was granted to South Africa by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 1990. Over 60% of Internet traffic generated on the African continent originates from South Africa. As of 2020, 41.5 million people were Internet users.

Internet in Australia first became available on a permanent basis to universities in Australia in May 1989, via AARNet. Pegasus Networks was Australia's first public Internet provider in June 1989. The first commercial dial-up Internet Service Provider (ISP) appeared in capital cities soon after, and by the mid-1990s almost the entire country had a range of choices of dial-up ISPs. Today, Internet access is available through a range of technologies, i.e. hybrid fibre coaxial cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and satellite Internet. In July 2009, the federal government, in partnership with the industrial sector, began rolling out a nationwide fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) and improved fixed wireless and satellite access through the National Broadband Network. Subsequently, the roll out was downgraded to a Multi-Technology Mix on the promise of it being less expensive and with earlier completion. In October 2020, the federal government announced an upgrade by 2023 of NBN fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) services to FTTP for 2 million households, at a cost of A$3.5 billion.

Internet access is widely available in New Zealand, with 94% of New Zealanders having access to the internet as of January 2021. It first became accessible to university students in the country in 1989. As of June 2018, there are 1,867,000 broadband connections, of which 1,524,000 are residential and 361,000 are business or government.

Before the era of internet business in Indonesia, internet connections could only be found at a few leading universities. By using UUCP, university servers in Indonesia exchange information with other university servers in the world through their respective gateways. In 1994, the internet business in Indonesia was started, marked by the granting of an internet service provider (ISP) company license issued by the Indonesian government to PT. Rahajasa Media Internet or RADNET.

Since its beginnings in 1995, the Internet in Malaysia has become the main platform for free discussion in the country's otherwise tightly controlled media environment. As of Q1 2017, Malaysia had broadband penetration rates of 103.6% and 81.8%.

In Singapore, there are 11,512,900 broadband Internet subscribers. There are three major Internet service providers in Singapore, namely, Singtel, StarHub, and M1 and other growing providers like MyRepublic and ViewQwest. Over the years, the Singapore Government has been promoting the usage of broadband Internet access, as part of its Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) and Smart Nation initiative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet in the Czech Republic</span>

Internet in the Czech Republic and Internet access are largely provided by the private sector and is available in a variety of forms, using a variety of technologies, at a wide range of speeds and costs. In 2013, 68% of Czechs were connected to the Internet.From 2013 to 2022, the number of Internet users in the Czech Republic increased rapidly to 91.48%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet in Moldova</span> Internet of Moldova

Internet in Moldova is one of the fastest and least expensive in the world. The country ranks 3rd in the world by gigabit coverage with around 90% of the population having the option to subscribe to a gigabit plan. The overall infrastructure is well developed which allows many users to experience good quality services throughout the country. However, despite high speeds and cheap prices, the penetration level is quite low when compared with many EU or CIS countries. In 2018, 49% of Moldovan households had broadband access. In 2015, there were 80 registered Internet Service Provider's (ISP's) in the country, with the majority being local or regional with only a few offering their services throughout the country. Moldtelecom and StarNet are the country's leading providers sharing around 88% of the market. The remaining 12% are shared between other ISPS, like SunCommunications, Arax Communications and others. Almost all ISPs that offer their services across the country have their headquarters located in the capital-city of Chişinău.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet in the United Kingdom</span> Overview of the Internet in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has been involved with the Internet throughout its origins and development. The telecommunications infrastructure in the United Kingdom provides Internet access to homes and businesses mainly through fibre, cable, mobile and fixed wireless networks, with the UK's 140-year-old copper network, maintained by Openreach, set to be withdrawn by December 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internet in Iceland</span>

Iceland is among the top countries in the world in terms of Internet deployment and use. 99.68% of Icelanders used in the internet in 2021.

In Romania, there are 18.8 million connections to the Internet. Romania's country code is .ro. The .eu domain is also used, as it is shared with other European Union member states. There were over 600 000 domains registered under .ro at the end of 2012.

Like many developed and developing countries, the Internet in Bangladesh has witnessed significant growth. Although facing many constraints in expanding Internet access and use, development of the Internet and Information Technology are high government priorities. In March, 2021 Internet users in Bangladesh increased to 116 million. On 19 February 2018, Bangladesh started the 4G network service.

Internet rush hour is the time period when the majority of Internet users are online at the same time. Typically, in the UK the peak hours are between 7 and 11 pm. During this time frame, users commonly experience slowness while browsing or downloading content. The congestion experienced during the rush hour is similar to transportation rush hour, where demand for resources outweighs capacity.

References

  1. ↑ Dick-Lauder, P. R., and Kurnrnerfeld, R. J. (September 1988). "An overview of the Sydney University Network version IV" (PDF). AUUG 88, 9(4), Page 24-29, Australia. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  2. ↑ Palasri, Sirin; Huter, Steven; Wenzel, Zita (May 2013). "The History of the Internet in Thailand" (PDF). University of Oregon. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  3. ↑ "Individuals using the Internet (% of population)". data.worldbank.org. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  4. ↑ Fomon, Josh (4 Jan 2023). "The Speedtest Global Index Shows These Countries Sped Forward for Internet Experience in 2022". ookla.com. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  5. ↑ "Thailand | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism". reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  6. ↑ "Thailand | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism". reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  7. ↑ Thailand: Rapid Growth in Broadband Use Archived 2007-12-18 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency". www.cia.gov. Archived from the original on June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  9. ↑ Maierbrugger, Arno (25 June 2013). "Thais prefer internet over telly, study says". Inside Investor. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "Internet Users and Statistics in Thailand". internet.nectec.or.th.
  11. ↑ "Internet Users and Statistics in Thailand". internet.nectec.or.th.
  12. ↑ "Internet Users and Statistics in Thailand".
  13. ↑ "Internet Users and Statistics in Thailand". internet.nectec.or.th. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  14. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2009-12-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ↑ "Home". CAT Thailand IX.
  16. ↑ "BKNIX | Bangkok Neutral Internet eXchange". bknix.co.th. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  17. ↑ "Internet Service Center :: CAT Telecom Public Co., Ltd". www.cat.net.th. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  18. ↑ "I'm 2Gbps Fibre The Best Broadband Network". www.ais.th.
  19. ↑ "ส่องโปรเน็ตบ้าน 2Gbps จาก AIS Fibre แต่ละแพ็กเกจ ได้อะไรบ้าง". mxphone. December 20, 2021.
  20. ↑ "TrueOnline". trueonline.truecorp.co.th.
  21. ↑ Kridakorn, Pan. "TRUE ONLINE เปิดตัวเน็ตบ้าน 2Gbps อย่างเป็นทางการ เน้นไวไฟผ่าน Gigatex Pro".
  22. ↑ "TrueOnline". trueonline.truecorp.co.th.
  23. ↑ "3BB Product Fiber VDSL เน็ตบ้านแรงเต็มขั้น เน็ตบ้านแรงเกินคุ้ม ที่สุดของความแรง". www.3bb.co.th. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  24. ↑ "สมัครอินเทอร์เน็ตบ้านไฟเบอร์ 3BB". www.3bb.co.th. Retrieved 2020-07-21.
  25. ↑ https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Thailand-s-AIS-acquires-broadband-internet-provider-3BB
  26. ↑ "TOT fiber 2U". tot.co.th. 2011-07-18.
  27. ↑ "Company profile Premium Internet Service Provider (ISP) : KSC". Archived from the original on 2009-12-31. Retrieved 2009-12-18.
  28. ↑ "INET - Always by your side". www.inet.co.th. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  29. ↑ "博亿堂老虎机_博亿堂bet98【点击注册财富起航】". www.thai-fi.com.
  30. ↑ "NBTC committee approves 3G licences". The Nation. Archived from the original on 2019-06-16.
  31. ↑ Internet Enemies Archived 2011-03-15 at the Wayback Machine , Reporters Without Borders, Paris, March 2011
  32. ↑ "Country Report: Thailand" Archived 2011-12-18 at the Wayback Machine , Freedom on the Net 2011, Freedom House, 18 April 2011
  33. ↑ "Thailand", Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State
  34. ↑ "Thailand's Massive Internet Censorship" Archived 2013-08-21 at the Wayback Machine , Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Asia Sentinel, 22 July 2010
  35. ↑ Chongkittavorn, Kavi (2015-10-12). "Thailand's single gateway is an abyss". The Nation. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  36. ↑ "Thai authorities to step up surveillance via 'single internet gateway'". Pratchathai English. 2015-09-23. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  37. ↑ Sombandaraksa, Don (2015-09-23). "General Happiness orders Great Firewall of Thailand". telecomasia.net. Questex Media. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  38. ↑ "Angry Thai Internet users 'bring down ICT website'". The Nation. Retrieved 2015-09-30.
  39. 1 2 "Police threaten hackers of government websites with 5 years in jail | Prachatai English". prachatai.org. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  40. ↑ "Thai government websites hit by denial-of-service attack - BBC News" . Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  41. ↑ Sullivan, Boris. "Single Internet gateway project sparks Thai Netizens Uproar" . Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  42. ↑ "Thai authorities still push ahead with single gateway internet plan | Prachatai English". prachatai.org. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  43. ↑ Blum-Dumontet, Eva (20 September 2016). Friends, Followers, Police Officers, and Enemies: Social Surveillance in Thailand. London: Privacy International. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  44. ↑ Gilbert, David (20 September 2016). "Thailand's government is using child 'Cyber Scouts' to monitor dissent". Vice News. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  45. ↑ "CYBER SCOUT". C C D K M. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  46. ↑ "About Us". Cyber Scout Thailand. Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
  47. ↑ "An unofficial translation of the Computer Crime Act". Prachatai English. 2007-07-24. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  48. ↑ Doctorow, Cory (21 December 2016). "Thailand's military-appointed Assembly unanimously passes an internet law combining the world's worst laws". Boing Boing. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  49. ↑ Corben, Ron (20 December 2016). "Amended Computer Crime Laws Spark Protests in Thailand". VOA News. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  50. ↑ "Computer bill deeply flawed" (Editorial). Bangkok Post. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  51. ↑ "Thai junta passes controversial cyber-crime law". Phys.org. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2016.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.