Telecoms sector transforming state services through digital platforms

The post and telecommunications sector has had many successes with regard to national development and modernisation, while transforming state services through digitalisation.
These achievements are being highlighted at a meeting taking place from February 11-13 to summarise the sector’s work and discuss plans for this year.
The three-day meeting is led by Minister of Post and Telecommunications Dr Thansamay Kommasith.
Deputy Minister Mr Thongsay Xanexaya underscored the sector’s main successes. These include hosting the 19th Asean Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting and use of the National Root Certification Authority to prepare for online business.
The ministry provided services to state and private bodies, such as secure websites, official email systems, servers, converting office operations into e-offices, and an e-government portal.
The ministry also introduced an innovative project to modernise payment and revenue collection and allowed telecom companies to trial a 5G network.
Other innovations included a cyber attack monitoring system, installation of an RTIR system, tsunami sensor system, web server and SSL certification.
This year there are plans to use Certification Authority for e-office systems, create i-offices, e-tax for the Ministry of Finance, and make Root Certification Authority, Government Certification Authority, and Public Certification Authority.
The ministry also plans to build two remote monitoring stations at Wattay International Airport and in Chanthabouly district.
A total of 475 ministry officials attended training course in Laos and other countries and the ministry is creating an e-testing and e-score process. The ministry competed in a host ICT Awards contest in which Laos got two prizes.
The ministry is also encouraging development in the postal sector through the use of modern technology for e-post, e-logistics, e-finance and e-commerce.
There are also plans to run a campaign to ensure public understanding of appropriate social media use, and improve and draw up policies and legislation.
A master plan will be formulated on digital payment and revenue collection through mobile phones, in order to boost income contributions to socio-economic development.
The ministry will also install digital state network equipment in 18 ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office to link them. E-offices will be set up at the Prime Minister’s Office, National Assembly, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Education and Sports, and Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
The ministry will continue to allow telecom operators to trial a 5G network and to make quality e-posts to prepare for e-commerce in the future.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update February 12, 2020)