Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has reiterated that while canceling home internet services is permissible, it must comply with the existing contract terms.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Trairat Wiriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General of the NBTC, addressed misinformation circulating through media and online platforms. This misinformation suggested that users could immediately cancel home internet services without adhering to contract terms or paying penalties. Mr. Trairat clarified that the NBTC has not issued any such guidelines, which has led to misunderstandings and incorrect complaints from service users.
Mr. Trairat further explained the conditions under which users can cancel their home internet service before the contract expiration. If users have covered the initial and installation fees themselves and have settled all outstanding service fees, they may cancel the service. Additionally, users must return any equipment provided by the service provider. However, if the initial and installation fees were waived at the start of the contract, users wishing to cancel early must pay these fees, adjusted according to the duration of service used. For instance, in a 12-month contract with a 1,200 baht fee, if a user cancels after 6 months, they would owe 600 baht. This policy aligns with the NBTC's announced guidelines on internet service conditions concerning initial and installation fees.
The NBTC Secretary-General emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing contract terms before signing. The ability to cancel a service is contingent upon the specific terms and conditions agreed upon by the user and the service provider. While there are no penalties for canceling, there may be requirements to pay proportional initial and installation fees based on the duration of service used.