Analog cable operators exempted from need to carry digital channels
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NBTC resolution calls for proof of technical difficulties in complying with 'must carry' rule
The national broadcasting committee has exempted cable TV operators that use analog technology from the obligation to carry the 24 commercial digital TV channels on their networks, if they can prove that they have experienced technical difficulties complying with this requirement.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s broadcasting committee passed a resolution in principle on the matter yesterday, according to a committee source.
The NBTC “must carry” rule obliges cable and satellite TV operators to carry the 24 commercial terrestrial digital channels and the 12 public digital channels on their networks. The source added that the exemption would not apply the 12 public channels – these must still be carried. And the analog cable operators can still opt to carry commercial digital channels if they wish.
Currently, there are three public digital TV channels in operation: Channel 5 of the Royal Thai Army, Channel 11 of the Public Relations Department, and Thai PBS.
Star Cable TV in Tak province and MSS Cable Network in Pathum Thani province are the first two operators the committee has exempted from the need to carry commercial chan-nels. About 10 other cable TV opera-tors are requesting the same exemption.
Currently about 5 per cent of households, or about 2.4 million nationwide, subscribe to cable TV service. There are about 300 cable TV operators nationwide, most of which utilise analog technology. Some plan to upgrade to digital technology.
In a separate matter, the NBTC vouchers for buying either digital set-top boxes or TV sets with digital tuners yesterday reached 500,000 households in four provinces – Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya and Suphan Buri. Thailand Post began handling the voucher deliveries on Friday. The vouchers, each worth Bt690, will reach households in all 21 provinces included in the first phase today. People can start using them next Monday, October 20.
In the first phase of the subsidy scheme, vouchers are being given away to 4.64 million households in 21 provinces. In the second phase, vouchers will be sent to 12.4 million households after March next year.
As of yesterday, the NBTC call centre had fielded 1,072 complaints on voucher issues since Friday. One group in Pathum Thani province called to complain that they had received envelopes containing documents related to the voucher scheme but no vouchers. The broadcasting committee is investigating the case.
