CAT opens international video conference center

PHUKET TOWN: The Communication Authority of Thailand (CAT) has opened an international video conference center in Phuket, only the second in Thailand. Voravit Vorapiboonpong, chief of the Phuket Telecommunications Center explained that video conferencing was a high-tech way for people from different countries to have a meeting without having to travel, saving both time and cost. The center may be used at any time of day or night, to suit conference participants. Those linking up from Phuket can expect to pay a studio rental fee of 3,000 baht for 30 minutes plus the cost of an international ISDN call. Communications are via the ISDN system, with transmission speeds up to 384 kbps. In the case of conferences where other participants call into Phuket, the CAT charges only for rental of the studio. Those wishing to use the service should contact Phuket Telecommunications Center, Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town at least five days in advance, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Tel 216861.