Thailand
Thailand: Finance Minister wants free Internet SIMs given to underprivileged
The Finance Ministry has proposed that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) give free Internet SIM cards to low-income earners on the state welfare card scheme.
Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said it had been proposed about five months ago that the 14.5 million welfare-card holders be given free SIM cards for six months so that poor farmers could access market prices in real time.
But the NBTC, which would have to pay for the programme, was still considering the idea, Apisak said.
He believed it should be approved since the NBTC gathers revenue from telecom operators.
If the NBTC agrees, the proposal would be forwarded to the Cabinet.
Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30359691