Digital TV licence Expiration Unclear, According to ADTEB's Demand for Clarification
Digital TV Broadcasting Anxious Over License Expiry and Spectrum Usage
The Association of Digital Television Broadcasters (ADTEB) has raised alarm bells about the impending expiration of digital TV licenses in 2029, demanding clarity on the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) regulatory plans and advocating for the continued use of the crucial 3500MHz spectrum for broadcasting.
Senator Sen Chib Jitniyom, spokesperson for the Senate Committee on Information Technology, Communications, and Telecommunications, convened a meeting recently to deliberate the digital TV industry's future. Representatives from ADTEB attended, expressing their concerns about the industry's uncertain fate after the license expiration, as the NBTC has yet to unveil a clear strategy.
ADTEB president Suparp Kleekhajai outlined the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting as a dismal failure. During the initial licensing auction, 24 channels pooled together over 50 billion baht, plus additional operational costs surpassing 100 billion baht. However, only 15 operators survive today, and the NBTC has been criticized for insufficient viewer accessibility.
The 3500MHz spectrum, essential for satellite TV, is another cause for concern. Previously, the NBTC proposed auctioning this band, which ADTEB vehemently opposes since telecom services already have an abundance of spectrum. The auction, ADTEB argues, would disrupt satellite TV access. Instead, they suggest continuing the use of the 3500MHz spectrum, advocating for the NBTC chair to find solutions addressing the upcoming license expiration while preserving satellite broadcasting interests.
Mr. Chib echoed ADTEB's sentiments, confirming the panel's agreement on resolving the licensing issue by 2026 to allow ample preparation time for all stakeholders.
(Enrichment) Concerns about digital TV licensing and spectrum usage have been brewing in Thailand, with the ADTEB arguing for a more transparent regulatory plan concerning the renewal or replacement of digital TV licenses. ADTEB highlights the initial digital TV transition as unsuccessful, with only 15 operators remaining from the initial 24. Additionally, the organization criticizes the NBTC for inadequate measures to ensure viewer accessibility. A significant issue revolves around the 3500 MHz spectrum band, vital for satellite TV broadcasting. The NBTC has proposed auctioning this band to telecom operators, but ADTEB advocates for maintaining the current usage to safeguard satellite broadcasting interests.
With the NBTC yet to make a decisive move on auctioning the 3500MHz band, uncertainty lingers, exacerbating ADTEB's calls for clarity and fair treatment for digital TV broadcasters, both before and after the licenses expire.
In light of the ongoing discussions about digital TV licensing and spectrum usage in Thailand, the Association of Digital Television Broadcasters (ADTEB) urges the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to reveal a clear regulatory plan to address the renewal or replacement of digital TV licenses, as the initial digital TV transition is considered unsuccessful. Furthermore, ADTEB advocates for maintaining the current use of the 3500MHz spectrum to secure satellite broadcasting interests, given the potential disruption that an auction could cause to the industry. This call for clarity and fair treatment extends beyond the license expiration, impacting the overall future of the digital TV, finance, business, and technology sectors in Thailand.
