The Digital Television Association has submitted a letter to the NBTC chairman, urging the prompt establishment of guidelines and preparation of plans as digital TV licenses approach expiration in less than three years, fearing widespread consequences.
On 26 May, reporters learned that recently the Digital Television Association (Thailand), along with TV operators, submitted a letter to Professor Clinical Doctor Saran Boonbaichaiyapruck, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), at the NBTC Administration Building on Phahonyothin Road, Soi 8, Bangkok, requesting legal compliance to issue a master plan announcement for television operations afterthe expirationof licenses in 2029.
The letter stated, in part, that the association has continuously presented data, facts, and policy proposals to the NBTC, including urging the inclusion of the television master plan on the board's agenda multiple times; however, to date, no action has been taken.nor has any clear guidelinebeen announced, preventing operators from formulating long-term business plans.
The association believes that the less than three years remaining before the digital TV licenses expire is a critical turning point for the television industry, a national media sector playing a vital role in the country's mass communication system. Key proposals to the NBTC include the urgent creation and announcement of a "Master Plan and Roadmap for Television Operations after 2029"coveringimportant issues such as licensing models, service structures across all platforms, fair competition criteria, measures to protect public access to free TV services, as well as technology and network transition plans.
Additionally, the association proposes regulation of services delivered via OTT and digital platforms to ensure standards and cost burdens are equitable with those of television operators under current laws. The association also urges the NBTC to set a clear timeline for announcing this master plan, recommending completion by 30 June 2026 to allow all parties adequate preparation.
The association further warned that without progress on this agenda within the proposed timeframe, the digital TV industry and related stakeholders could be adversely affected. The association and operators may be compelled to exercise legal rights to ensure a smooth transition for the television industry that maximizes benefits for the public and the digital TV sector in the long term.