The broadcasting regulator has ordered MCOT Plc and the Public Relations Department to submit progress reports for digital TV network installation since the two were awarded network provider licences.
The rise of digital TV is creating more choice for Thai audiences, but the delay of two network providers, MCOT and the Public Relations Department, could prevent service from reaching 50% of households as planned. THITI WANNAMONTHA
As required by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), digital TV network providers must provide network services with coverage of 50% of the 22 million households in Thailand or in 11 major provinces in the first year.
"We don't know what's going on with MCOT and the Public Relations Department, as they did not send us the digital network progress reports," said Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee.
"If there is any problem or damage caused by their network delays, both providers will have to take responsibility," he said.
Speculation abounds that the two operators could not install their digital TV networks and provide proper services as required by the NBTC, so they chose not to send their reports.
Both MCOT and the department risk revocation of their network licences if they remain silent about their work progress, Col Natee said.
Four licensed network providers for digital TV service and another two operators, Thai PBS and the Royal Thai Army's Channel 5, have already sent their work progress reports to the regulator.
The NBTC will send a formal warning to the two network providers and give them a certain period of time to submit reports before fining them 20,000 baht a day.
Failing that, the pair will have their licences suspended and potentially revoked.
MCOT has three channels renting its network — Thairath TV, Spring News and Voice TV — along with its own two digital channels, one each for children's and high-definition variety shows.
The Public Relations Department has no digital TV channels using its network service.
Since all 24 digital TV channels began their broadcast trials, viewers in 11 provinces — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani, Rayong, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani — can watch their programming.