Firms allowed to take delivery of set-top boxes
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The seven companies with nearly a million satellite TV set-top boxes left in limbo by proposed rules will be allowed to take delivery of them.
The companies are Thaicom, GMM Z, Infosat Intertrade, Strong Brother 1961, Leo Technology and Marketing, Trinergy Instrument and Thomas Enterprises.
About half of the stranded boxes belong to GMM Z, with the rest belonging to five set-top box traders and distributors as well as satellite operator Thaicom.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) had resolved on May 30 to only consider granting permits to import, produce and distribute boxes to those pay-TV operators doing business according to the regulations of state agencies and its own upcoming regulations.
However, many set-top box-related firms complained that the policy could affect their business.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, said yesterday that the NBTC agreed to give the green light to those companies to take those boxes out of customs.
Satellite TV dealers could continue to import set-top boxes pending the implementation of regulations for issuing operating licences to pay-TV operators. After that, they have to apply for the licences to be eligible to import boxes.
The broadcasting committee approved the draft regulations governing licences for broadcasting, with four types of licences to be issued for providers of infrastructure, networks, content or application services.
This draft would be submitted to the NBTC tomorrow and if approved, the regulations will be published in the Royal Gazette.
The broadcasting panel also gave the nod to the draft compulsory guidelines for broadcasters during disasters. The draft will be submitted to the NBTC’s meeting on July 18 before being published on the official website.
