TV operators baulk at licence conditions

Only 300 out of 1,000 broadcasters applied

Published: 17 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: Business

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has reiterated that the deadline for satellite and cable TV operators to apply for non-frequency broadcasting licences will not be extended.

"Any operators who fail to comply with our new licensing requirements by Dec 16 are at risk of being forced out of business," said Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee.

Suphajee Suthumpun, the chief executive of Thaicom Plc, said an extension of the deadline may be needed, or else viewers of operators that do not comply will face a "black screen" on TV.

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barryw
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Discussion 4 : 19 Nov 2012 at 09.254
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Dis #3 - True Visions will probably go out of business anyway after losing rights to Premier League football. I'd guess the football is a major reason many people put up with their expensive service, so they'll walk.
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barmine
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Discussion 3 : 18 Nov 2012 at 08.293
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True Company just received a downgrade on its stock from Asian Securities, due to a loss of cable subscribers and the cost of its 3G venture. NBTC tells these companies to do as we say or
go out of business. Well, I won't be surprised to see a lot of black tv screens in the future.
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topcat_bk
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Discussion 2 : 17 Nov 2012 at 14.452
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The only thing that I see clearly here, is yet another pretext for the already obscene rates of service from True Visions to be raised yet again.

Despite the hundreds of cable and satellite operators mentioned in the article, there is only this "900 pound gorilla" that has no real competition, on the national level. Hence, the value provided is grossly out of proportion with the costs by international standards.

Since Thailand finally has functioning regulatory body in this area, how nice would it be if it were to regulate in the interest of the consumer and create conditions for real competition in this market.
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bluebottle
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Discussion 1 : 17 Nov 2012 at 12.481
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Not much changes then, organised chaos by the looks of things.
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TV operators baulk at licence conditions | Bangkok Post: business