Return of broadcasting spectra within 5-10 yrs: NBTC
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has finalised the timeframe for the return of broadcasting and telecom spectra.
At the meeting late evening of Wednesday, it demands state agencies return their radio broadcasting spectra within 5 years after the spectrum management plan takes effect, TV broadcasting spectra within 10 years, and the telecom spectra within 15 years.
The spectra would then be re-allocated by the regulatory body.
The NBTC board on Wednesday approved the draft spectrum management plan. The plan will not cover the spectra being utilised by private companies, which would be returned after concessions are expired.
NBTC commissioner Supinya Klangnarong, as spokesperson, said that the NBTC expects to hold the public hearing on the draft in January and if things go as planned, the draft should be effective in April.
The NBTC has also planned to finish within four years the regulations to govern broadcasting spectra re-allocation.
The NBTC will summon all related state agencies in December for a discussion.
In parallel, the NBTC is developing broadcasting and telecom master plans, the regulations on spectrum re-allocation, as well as the spectrum licence auction plan.
Private telecom operators have been waiting for the NBTC to auction 2.1GHz spectrum bands, on which they can provide 3G services.
The NBTC board on Nov 23 also asked its broadcasting committee to revise the transitional period for nine radio operators, who are airing programmes on the watchdog's nine spectra and have to migrate to new radio channels. The board members could not reach the concensus if the proposed six-month period is appropriate.
The board two weeks ago decided not to renew the contracts to the nine operators, whose contracts will end this year. It plans to re-allocate all the nine frequencies - FM106.5, FM98.5, AM1035, AM1089, FM102, FM99, AM1089, FM89 and AM765. FM106.5 is now operated by A-Time Media, a unit of media giant GMM Grammy.
In a separate matter, the NBTC board on Nov 23 also assigned some commissioners to handle the legal lawsuits filed against defunct National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) at the Central Administrative Court.Of total, 47 cases are telecom-related.
