Calls for Extension of Digital TV Licenses Past 2029 to Support Industry

[webfact]

Picture credit: Wikipedia

 

The Association of Digital Television Broadcasting (ADTEB) is urging the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to extend digital TV licences past their 2029 expiration. This request aims to help the struggling digital TV sector navigate the rapidly changing media landscape.

 

At the One Decade of Digital TV event, ADTEB president Suphap Kleekajai stressed the importance of a timely decision, highlighting that the industry needs a stable environment for long-term planning.

 

With viewing habits shifting towards online streaming, digital TV operators must adapt or face possible closures. Suphap also voiced concerns over the NBTC’s plan to auction the 3500-3800 megahertz spectrum for telecom services, critical for satellite TV, through which 60% of Thais access digital TV.

 

“We need to see an extension of the terms for digital TV licenses, or even an alternative way of allocating new licences, such as a beauty contest,” remarked Suphap. Unlike digital TV channels, over-the-top platforms (like Netflix and YouTube) remain unregulated, adding to the competitive pressure.

ADTEB management intends to meet formally with the NBTC to discuss the extension. The association hopes to persuade the government to amend the NBTC Act, which currently mandates spectrum allocation exclusively through auctions.

 

Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC chairman, acknowledged the need for possibly revising the auction plan but noted the commission's limitations in issuing direct orders to the government. Following discussions with ADTEB, any resolutions would be presented to the government for further consideration.

 

Suphap recalled the financial strains the digital TV sector has faced since the NBTC's 2013 auction of 24 digital TV licenses, which fetched 50 billion baht (US$1.5 billion). Several operators have since ceased operations due to these high costs.

 

Chulalongkorn University suggests the combined digital TV licences should have fetched a more reasonable 13 billion baht (US$382 million). This significant discrepancy underscores the financial difficulties operators face in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Despite NBTC’s must-carry rule, which mandates free TV be broadcast on any platform, advertising spending on digital TV has declined.

 

As digital TV operators brace for the future, this call for licence extensions becomes even more critical, ensuring they can continue to provide varied and accessible content to viewers across the country.

 

-- 2024-08-29

 

 

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[retarius]

Tell the ADTEB to get lost.....we want freedom from TV licenses. 

[ikke1959]

stop with it as it will only bring problems when there are elections

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

With viewing habits shifting towards online streaming, digital TV operators must adapt or face possible closures.

So be it... it's called evolution.

[Will B Good]

 

 

 

That would mean no brown envelopes.....ain't going to happen.