Regulator set to revise import ban on set-top boxes

The resolution has been in effect since May 30.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the watchdog’s broadcasting panel, said yesterday that his committee would revise its decision after receiving complaints from satellite-TV providers, traders and distributors that the restriction kept them from bringing newly ordered set-top boxes into the country.
The watchdog on May 30 extended the definition of radio communication devices to cover all kinds of set-top boxes in an effort to bring order to the broadcasting business.
It said it would consider granting permits to produce, import and distribute the boxes only to TV operators licensed under its upcoming regulations, or to those of other state agencies. Operators under state concessions include free-TV businesses, TrueVisions and some cable-TV companies.
Natee said satellite-TV set-top boxes should, however, not be included under radio communication devices, because they are used for receiving satellite signals, not for radio frequency.
In a separate matter, the broadcasting committee yesterday did not approve a proposal from the NBTC consumer protection subcommittee on broadcasting, which had called on the regulator to take legal action against GMM Grammy, which holds the right to broadcast live Euro 2012 football matches in Thailand, and its broadcast partners – ThaiTV3, TV5 and Modernine TV – as they have left more than 10 million satellite-TV households with blank screens during matches since June 8.
 Natee said his panel had asked the consumer protection subcommittee to gather more details before making a decision.
 GMM Grammy has allowed only the users of its GMM Z set-top boxes and those with a conventional TV antenna to view the matches via its own channel and the three free-TV channels, respectively.