NBTC issues first licences to local cable/satellite TV operators

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) Tuesday issued the first 632 licences to local cable and satellite TV operators.

Of these, 331 were permanent licences for network providers and the rest one-year temporary licences to operate television channels.

This is considered the first attempt to regulate the Thai cable and satellite TV industry in 60 years.

Natee Sukhonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, said that if they did not violate any laws during the one-year term of their temporary licences, the 301 operators would obtain long-term licences to keep going for another 14 years.

About 400 licences both for network providers and TV channel operators are on the list to be issued later, Natee added.

The licensing process is expected to be complete by early March.

The Nation