The service providers pointed out that conflicts would arise if the regulatory body issued new licences allowing new players to operate at a cheaper cost.

Of the 20 operators, 18 were holders of concessions from CAT Telecom Plc and two operate under joint ventures with the privatised body.

Bandit Wongwathanasin, president of medium-sized operator ISSP Co Ltd, said he agreed with the need to issue new licences to broaden the market.

However, before doing so, the NTC should see how existing operators were handled to avoid the possibility of an unfair fee-collecting structure, he said.

"Because CAT controls the international gateway, we have to share our revenue with CAT throughout the life of our contracts. But new operators will pay a fixed licence fee, regardless of the volume of traffic," he said.

Another issue concerned the need for existing service providers to operate through the CAT Telecom gateway for international Internet connections while new players would be free to use anybody's gateway.

"The telecom master plan does not specify how existing operators can compete against the new players," Bandit said.

Anant Kaewraumvong, CS Loxinfo deputy managing director, urged the NTC to allow any company to provide an international gateway, saying that the present monopoly resulted in high service costs.

"We're ready to provide such a gateway, once it is open (to all)," he said, adding that the NTC also had to ensure a more convenient numbering service for Internet service providers (ISPs).