Satellite and pay-TV set-top boxes are likely to be included in the digital-TV subsidy coupon scheme by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The regulator may allow digital TV subsidy coupons to be used with satellite and pay TV set-top boxes. SEKSAN ROJJANAMETAKUL
An NBTC source said satellite and pay-TV operators wishing to get subsidy coupons must have the channel line-up for their boxes similar to the digital TV set-top box.
The regulator requires channels 1-36 be reserved for 12 public and 24 commercial digital TV channels.
Moreover, the boxes must support high-definition broadcast.
Currently, the NBTC allows satellite set-top box operators to freely arrange the first 10 channels on their own, and this has caused much confusion among viewers.
The source said those using the subsidy coupon to subscribe to pay TV services such as TrueVisions or CTH cannot return the set-top boxes to the service providers and get a deposit when they end their pay TV subscription.
The NBTC has yet to finalise the coupon price and distribution scheme because the coupon is very sensitive to the broadcasting industry including free and pay TV.
If the regulator only provides subsidy coupons for digital TV set-top boxes, satellite TV set-top box operators are unlikely to survive in the broadcasting market.
Better picture quality and more stable signals even when it rains are the major advantages of digital TV set-top boxes.
Moreover, 24 commercial digital channels will feature the same high-quality content as pay TV. Therefore, pay TV operators and satellite dish providers may be harmed by the advent of digital TV.
"The NBTC wants to provide balance in the broadcasting industry by supporting the rise of digital TV as well as existing satellite TV operators," said the source.
Additionally, the regulator sees 24 commercial digital-TV channels will be watched on each platform, even terrestrial and satellite TV systems, following the enactment of the must-carry rule.
The source said the NBTC is confident the coupon will not distort pricing mechanisms, as there are many set-top box makers, which will create free competition. There are more than 30 registered brands of digital-TV set-top box makers.
"Consumers can use the subsidy coupons to get discounts on new TV sets if they already have set-top boxes," the source said.
The coupon value will have a maximum of 1,200 baht per household, with the regulator calculating the coupon value from the first payment of 11.9 billion baht by digital TV winners.
The value of the coupon will be concluded at a meeting on Monday and submitted to the NBTC panel for approval on Wednesday.
Thailand Post will be appointed as the coupon distributor and start distributing coupons in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla provinces around June.