Universities to receive Wi-Fi boost through network upgrade

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is working with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to upgrade the capacity of the ministry’s UniNet high-speed communication fibre network for the benefit of innovative R&D learning, writes Komsan Tortermvasana for the Bangkok Post.

The agreement is aimed at enhancing the high-speed communication system for higher education institutions with free Wi-Fi through the UniNet network, which also connects with 100 other global education networks. The cooperation would also be beneficial to the government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO) programme meant to drive the country’s digital transformation.

Sirirerk Songsivilai, permanent secretary for the ministry, said UniNet has 68,000 kilometres of optic fibre that provides high-speed internet services for universities. UniNet is used by 2 million university students as well as around 200,000 lecturers and university staff. “The second round of the pandemic comes with a push for streamlined distance learning or online education in higher education. Earlier we thought 100% online education could take shape in 10 years,” Sirirerk said.
Full report on the Bangkok Post site