MCOT hopes to finalise digital TV transmitter supplier next month
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MCOT has high hopes to complete the selection of a supplier of much-needed transmitters for the new terrestrial-based digital TV system next month after the process was delayed by the political turmoil in the first half of this year.
Executive vice president Thanachai Wongthongsri said yesterday that in the first phase of the expansion of the company’s digital network, it would spend about Bt440 million on installing transmitters at 11 broadcasting sites in Bangkok and some provinces.
The Bt1.44 billion latter phase would cover the rest of the country. Gap fillers would also be employed to ensure that all households can receive a strong signal.
The second part may take some time as the proposal needs to be submitted to the new Cabinet for approval. Though MCOT is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, some big projects initiated by this state media enterprise must be approved and overseen by the government.
Because of the political unrest and vacuum since last November, MCOT’s key investment projects such as this Bt1.8-billion digital network roll-out remain stalled.
To serve its network customers in the digital TV business, such as Thairath TV, Springnews TV and Voice TV, MCOT has had to lease equipment from the two other network operators, the Army and Thai PBS.
MCOT also sells digital TV set-top boxes. In collaboration with key manufacturers like Planet Communications, Soken, Createch and Acounatic, the company invested Bt200 million on production of the set-top boxes and on marketing communications.
With the broadcasting regulator finally expected to begin distributing digital TV vouchers to households this week, MCOT aims to sell 2.8 million boxes for at least Bt440 million within three years.
