Bangkok: Thank you to the NBTC chairman for urging the consideration of the digital TV agenda before the license ends in 2019. The Digital Television Association submitted a letter of thanks to the NBTC chairman, urging him to expedite the consideration of the digital TV agenda before the license expires in 2019.
According to Thai News Agency, representatives of the Digital Television Association (Thailand), led by Mr. Adisak Limprungpatanakit, Vice President of the Association, submitted a letter of thanks to Clinical Professor Dr. Saran Boonbaichaipruk, Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This follows a Focus Group meeting on May 26, where opinions were gathered for drafting a Roadmap for Television and Broadcasting in Thailand. The meeting, chaired by Emeritus Professor Dr. Pirongrong Ramasut, included representatives from various television operators and networks. It was announced that digital TV would be an urgent agenda item at the NBTC board meeting on May 28, with Gen. Sitthichai Makkunjar receiving the thank-you letter on behalf of the chairman.
Mr. Adisak outlined the significance of two key agendas to be discussed: Agenda 4.19, which pertains to guidelines from a consultant study on the future broadcasting scenario in Thailand, and Agenda 4.20, which focuses on providing channels for terrestrial television on digital platforms. These agendas aim to shape the transition of digital terrestrial television before the license expiration in April 2029. With the shift from traditional terrestrial systems to streaming platforms, there is a need for systematic preparation and clear policies to align with evolving technology and consumer habits.
He emphasized the importance of the NBTC’s consideration of digital TV operators’ demands, which will allow them to plan and prepare for the upcoming changes. The expectation is for digital TV operators to strategize their business plans by the 3rd or 4th quarter, considering the impending license expirations. Network operators, whose licenses expire a year earlier, also need to prepare accordingly.
However, Mr. Adisak expressed concerns over the NBTC’s previous vague communications, which have hindered digital TV operators’ future planning. Rapid technological changes, economic conditions, and the US tariff wall are impacting advertising revenue, leading to salary reductions and layoffs within the industry, which in turn affects the quality of content.
Mr. Adisak is apprehensive about the possibility of the digital TV agenda not being addressed, as other issues might take precedence. He plans to monitor the situation closely and engage with the NBTC, warning that failure to consider the digital TV agenda could jeopardize the industry’s future.