NBTC listens to opinions on converting to digital TV

BANGKOK, September 22 (TNA) - After drafting four regulations on a plan to switch Thailand’s broadcasting industry from the analogue to the digital system, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is seeking opinions from local operators and the general public. NBTC Chair Colonel Nathee Sukonrat said Saturday that NBTC will start issuing licences after relevant laws are enforced, noting that people are expected to have to watch both the analogue and digital TV systems for 7-8 years before the traditional analogue system is ceased. Colonel Nathee acknowledged that more time is needed in order to allow the public understand the new transmission of digital TV and for all of them to possess signal boxes. According to the NBTC chief, a sub-committee tasked with providing services on receiving television signals is determined to assist the viewers and all the free TV stations have to seek new operating licences from the NBTC. The digital transmission receivers are expected to cost less than 20 dollars each, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are planning to negotiate on the buying price jointly late this year. Presently, several ASEAN member countries have already used the digital system. (TNA)