Amended law for slimmed-down NBTC passed
THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly yesterday passed an amendment to the law governing the make-up of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in an overwhelming vote at the legislation’s third reading.
The amended law requires the appointment of seven commissioners, down from 11 under the earlier form of the law.
Each of the seven commissioners will come from a background in radio broadcasting, TV broadcasting, telecommunications, engineering, law, economics, and consumer protection or human rights promotion.
The commissioners must be Thais, aged between 40 and 70.
The amendment was carried with 197 of the 199 votes cast; two NLA members abstained.
The Secretariat of the Senate will be responsible for the appointment of the NBTC selection committee.
This committee will comprise one judge each from the Constitution Court, the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court judge, and one member each from the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, and the Ombudsman’s office, as well as the Bank of Thailand governor.
Compensation
The regulatory body is empowered to reclaim idled spectra from their state holders for reallocation. However, the NBTC must compensate them for any reclaimed spectra.
The NBTC will award commercial broadcasting and telecom spectrum licences via auction. Telecom spectra will also be awarded via auction, but other means can be applied in cases where there is sufficient spectra available or the spectra is used for non-commercial purposes.
A key role for the NBTC is to support the government in coordinating with local and international bodies on spectrum management.
It also support the government in procuring satellite and satellite orbital slots, in line with the country's policies to promote technological development.
The terms of the existing NBTC commissioners will end in October this year.
