PUBLISHED: 5 May 2025 at 04: 16
Concerns about the expiration of digital TV licenses have been raised by the Association of Digital Television Broadcasting ( ADTEB), which calls for more information on regulatory plans, and for the use of the 3500MHz spectrum to be broadcast.
The Senate Committee on Information Technology, Communications, and Telecommunications, which has convened on Sunday to discuss Thailand’s digital TV industry’s potential, with 2029 as the deadline for digital TV license renewals, Sen.
ADTEB members, who had no idea what the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission ( NBTC ) had to say, demanded fair treatment and clarity regarding the panel’s plan to advance the sector before and after the licenses expire.
Suparp Kleekhajai, leader of ADTEB, described the failure of the digital radio industry. He claimed that 24 channels collectively paid more than 50 billion baht during the first licensing bidding, plus more operating costs that totaled more than 100 billion baht. Just 15 operators are still active now, and the NBTC is failing to make viewing experience completely accessible.
The 3500MHz range, which is crucial for satellite Television, is another issue. The ADTEB opposes the NBTC’s proposal to auction this occurrence because telecom services already have enough spectrum and a bid to auction it had stymie satellite TV access.
The ADTEB asked the NBTC chair to find solutions to the approaching license expiration while recommending continuing to use the 3500 MHz range.
Mr. Chib stated that his section agreed that there should be enough time to reach a decision on the licensing issue before 2026.