TV operators can no longer charge content providers

Satellite and cable TV operators offering channel-grouping services will no longer be allowed to charge content providers whose channels they air, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission has decreed in its new draft of regulations for broadcasting licences.
Yesterday, the NBTC's broadcasting committee approved three drafts of three classes of broadcasting licences – for infrastructure, network and service providers – and another set of draft rules to import, produce and distribute set-top boxes to pay-television operators. This was done after the public-hearing process was completed last week.
After these drafts are submitted to the NBTC board tomorrow, they will be published in the Royal Gazette by end of this month. All three licences can be used to provide services ranging from digital TV to cable and satellite TV.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC broadcasting committee, said that under the new 160-page rulebook, digital terrestrial, satellite and cable TV operators need a licence from the NBTC before going into operation and must stringently follow all procedures. For instance, they need to pay 2 per cent of the gross revenue to the NBTC Universal Service Obligation fund and another 2 per cent as annual licence fee.
Additionally, satellite and cable TV operators offering channel-grouping services by charging content producers will no longer be allowed to do so under the new regulations because the NBTC will be determining a standard for channel grouping soon, Natee said.

EASY ACCESS FOR VIEWERS 
“This approach will give viewers easy access to key TV programmes that are produced by quality TV content providers,” he added.
The NBTC committee expects to be able to grant cable, satellite and pay-TV licences as well as digital terrestrial television for public use by next month and commercial digital TV licences early next year.
Additionally, Natee revealed that 726 of the 6,600 registered community radio stations had lost their right temporarily to operate broadcasting services after the NBTC found that their qualifications did not meet requirements. Previously, these community radio stations had registered with the NBTC for trial operation under preliminary regulations.