In wake of complaints from cable-satellite broadcasters, channel numbering rule delayed

The decision was made after TrueVisions, the country’s largest pay-TV operator, and representatives from an |association of satellite TV network providers lodged written complaints with the commission about the channel-numbering rule.

Under this rule, which had been expected to be implemented before the new year, all cable and satellite TV operators would have to reserve channel numbers 1 to 36 for the 12 public and 24 commercial digital terrestrial stations. Currently, they have the right to use the first 10 channels according to their own preference, while channels 11 to 46 are for the terrestrial-based digital stations. The broadcasting committee’s idea was to make it easier for consumers to remember the channels and to set a single standard for the whole TV broadcasting industry. 

NBTC general-secretary Takorn Tantasit said yesterday that TrueVisions had called for fair treatment, noting that it was protected by a law governing broadcasters operating under a concession with a state media agency. TrueVisions is currently permitted to operate subscription-based television on behalf of MCOT until December 31, 2019. 

TrueVisions believes that the channel-numbering rule would be unfair to pay-TV companies. The firm has already had to spend a lot of money on its broadcasting system and software to carry the digital channels on its cable and satellite platforms.

Apart from TrueVisions, an association of cable and satellite TV operators including PSI Holdings, CTH, GMM Broadcasting, and IPM TV expressed opposition to the rule.

Takorn suggested that before making a final decision, the broadcasting committee should look into the new information provided by TrueVisions and the association. The NBTC expects to make a final decision on January 21. 

He added that the NBTC yesterday approved an annual budget of Bt5.035 billion. This figure was also agreed to by a subcommittee consisting of representatives from the National Legislative Assembly, the Office of the State Audit and the National Council for Peace and Order. 

This budget will be reserved for annual administrative and employment costs (Bt1.817 billion); continuing projects (Bt1.986 billion); new projects (Bt1.986 billion); and the research and development fund and emergencies (Bt70 million).

The NBTC commissioners also agreed to raise the monthly salaries for about 1,300 operational employees while retaining 100 managerial-level staff.