Broadcasting regulators have approved the amendment of the new channel numbering regulation which seeks to require satellite and cable-TV network operators to reserve their first 36 channels for digital TV.
Currently, non-frequency network operators can arrange their first 10 channels on their own while the 11th to 46th channels are reserved for the 36 digital-TV channels (12 public and 24 commercial channels).
The broadcasting committee under the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Monday unanimously resolved to amend its rule to avoid confusion among the audience as all TV platforms will be required to reserve their first 36 channels for digital TV.
“The same channel line-up on all platforms aims to avoid confusion,” said Sombat Leelapata, the NBTC's acting deputy secretary-general, adding the committee has organised public hearings to gather input for the amendment of the regulation.
The NBTC will deliberate the resolution on Dec 17 and the new rule is expected to take effect in January after it is announced in the Royal Gazette, Mr Sombat said.
Most of the 24 digital-TV operators have welcomed the change, saying the new channel line-up will draw more viewers from every platform. But satellite and cable operators have lodged hundreds of complaints with the regulators, saying that viewers would be confused by the change in channel numbers and the change will create unfair competition in the broadcasting industry.
Leading pay-TV operator TrueVisions earlier said if the amendment went through it would take every legal action against the watchdog before it is announced in the Royal Gazette.
Mr Sombat on Monday said opposers of the amendment can take the case to the Central Administrative Court.