NBTC sued over channel numbering

[webfact]

NBTC sued over channel numbering
WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PROVIDERS of cable and satellite TV services yesterday sued the broadcasting regulator, opposing two regulations on the rearrangement of digital channel numbers and the "must carry" rule.

Representatives from PSI Holdings, Charoen Cable TV, ABTV and a group of small satellite TV operators jointly filed a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court against the broadcasting law that will take effect tomorrow.

"We call for revocation of both of those rules by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. If the rules are implemented, our 18 million customers will be affected and our business could face severe impacts," said Wichit Aurareevorakul, president of Charoen Cable TV.

The NBTC's "must carry" rule was implemented about two years ago. But two months ago, it adjusted some details of the rule. According to these amendments, cable and satellite TV providers must pack all 36 terrestrial-based digital channels together, beginning with the 12 public-service channels and then the 24 commercial stations.

In the meantime, the NBTC issued an administrative order to rearrange the digital-TV channel numbers on cable and satellite in an attempt to set a single standard across all platforms. Under this order, all cable and satellite TV providers must reserve channels 1 to 36 for digital stations just as on a digital-TV receiver. Currently, digital-TV channel numbers run from 11 to 46 on both cable and satellite set-top boxes.

Vorasit Lee, chief executive officer of PSI Holdings, claimed that the rules would considerably lessen the freedom of both consumers and cable/satellite TV operators. He said that normally operators had the right to place their favourite stations on channels 1 to 10. This was also convenient for viewers, who could find their favourite channels easily.

In a separate development, today the court will hear testimony in a similar case that was lodged by TrueVisions Group and TrueVisions Cable that opposed the order to rearrange digital-TV channel numbers.

Yesterday, the court heard testimony in another legal case filed by Thai News Network, the operator of TNN 24 digital news channel, and True4U Station Co, the operator of the True4U digital variety channel. Both disagreed with the recently revised must-carry rule. No ruling has been made yet.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/NBTC-sued-over-channel-numbering-30274038.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-01

[Jonmarleesco]

All for the benefit of the customer, eh? BS! The customer's needs are of the least concern to True and co.

[Bluespunk]

'He said that normally operators had the right to place their favourite stations on channels 1 to 10. This was also convenient for viewers, who could find their favourite channels easily.'

People tend to know the number of their favourite channels and it's not that hard to find them if they don't...channel guide anyone?

[Srikcir]

TV industry surveys has shown that low-numbered noncable channels such as 1 to 10 get the highest audiences simply because of their location on a remote and easy to remember number. Behind those channels the broadcasters spend a lot of money promoting those channels. For NBTC to suddenly alter the location of station broadcast channels will cause a loss in the value of station channels and patronage. Such damage could be in the hundreds of millions of baht.

Whatever happened to transparency? NBTC is begginning to operate more like a rogue regulator. Albeit, consistent with the current government.