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Published on July 4, 2007

The state agency's move is in line with the national telecom regulator's Universal Service Obligation (USO) regulations, while Qualcomm is participating on its own initiative as part of its social-contribution programme.

Under the two projects, Qualcomm has donated medical equipment like a digital microscope to the medical unit on Phang Nga's Koh Panyi.

It also provided computers and Internet-connection equipment to major hospitals, enabling them to connect with the Koh Panyi medical unit and assist it in medical examinations.

Qualcomm has donated laptop computers and wireless Internet-access cards to two libraries in Thap Put and Khura Buri districts, while Axesstel, developer of fixed wireless voice and data products, donated a broadband modem that enables the libraries to access the Internet via the CDMA network.

Shawn Covell, Qualcomm's senior director of government affairs, said participating in the two projects was in line with the company's Wireless Reach project, launched last year.

CAT vice president Tosporn Simtrakarn said its three-year USO project would provide 7,052 public phones and 1,298 fixed telephones to 2,971 district healthcare centres in 26 provinces. The entire project, which starts this year, will cost Bt8 billion.

Usanee Mongkolporn

The Nation

Phang Nga