BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has resolved to have its office conduct public hearings on new guidelines for regulating and promoting the television industry. The results are expected to be concluded by the end of this year, which will then be used to create a roadmap before the digital TV business licenses expire in 2029.
NBTC Commissioner for Television, Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota, stated that the board considered an analysis of future scenarios for the television industry and guidelines for its regulation and promotion in Thailand. This work is a continuation of a study on the future of broadcasting in a changing industry landscape. The NBTC board acknowledged the shifting media environment amid technological changes. Discussions covered various operational approaches, including adhering to existing laws and amending legislation to align with the technological convergence of telecommunications and broadcasting. These amendments could be specific articles or a complete overhaul of the law. The board also discussed promoting the television business through content production, assessing content quality to encourage socially beneficial programming, developing the potential of operators and stakeholders, and advancing technology and viewing channels, such as establishing a national streaming platform and developing technology for people with disabilities.
The NBTC board has mandated its office to present the analysis and proposals for public feedback. Concluding this process by year-end will allow for timely preparations before the licenses for commercial digital TV channel operators expire in April 2029. The framework for regulation and promotion to be presented will cover topics such as frequency resource management, network infrastructure, and licensing. This includes whether to continue using auctions for frequency licenses, assign network operators the responsibility of applying, or consider alternatives to auctions, such as auctions with additional conditions. Other issues include the number of channels, resolution standards, frequency use for satellite TV, creating a flexible regulatory framework, modernizing laws and regulations, reducing regulatory cost burdens, and the “Must Carry” rule. The framework will primarily be based on current laws, while proposals requiring legal amendments will be pursued concurrently.
Previously, on September 10th, executives of the Digital Television Association (Thailand) submitted a letter to the NBTC chairman inquiring about the progress on the 2029 digital TV roadmap, urging for advance planning before the licenses expire. (NNT)
