Future of TV decided by NBTC after 2-year wait

The board of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) on Monday unanimously approved in principle the draft of the third Digital Television Master Plan, which had been awaiting its consideration for the past two years.

In addition, the board gave the nod to a plan to develop a national streaming platform for terrestrial digital TV broadcasters to distribute their content, aiming to address upcoming changes in the broadcasting landscape after their licences expire in 2029.

Earlier, NBTC commissioner Pirongrong Ramasoota, who oversees the broadcasting sector, said the streaming platform is intended to ensure that every Thai citizen can conveniently access all free-to-air television channels through an internet platform, while preserving the principle of universal access to public-interest content, including news, emergency alerts, educational programming, cultural content and nationally significant events.

According to NBTC chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, the latest move marks a significant shift in the country's broadcasting landscape as the regulator grapples with the looming expiry of digital TV licences in 2029.

The master plan is accompanied by several related policy proposals that will shape the post-2029 broadcasting landscape, including a draft Television and Broadcasting Roadmap (2026–2030) to prepare for the expiration of digital terrestrial TV licences.

Other policies include a draft implementation plan under Thailand's universal broadcasting and public service television framework, and draft NBTC regulations governing television and audio streaming services delivered over internet networks.

The other proposal involves revisions to technical standards for connected TV devices to ensure they can access terrestrial television services on digital platforms, together with other related regulatory measures.

However, Dr Sarana said the digital TV broadcasting roadmap has yet to be approved, as it has to be further considered and studied by NBTC management for another 30 days before being submitted to the board for consideration.

The roadmap consists of several core elements related to broadcasting licences and operations, as well as spectrum migration and the framework for spectrum auctions.

Digital TV Future

Dr Sarana said a central focus of the new strategy is the fate of digital TV operators once their licences expire.

Under current legislation, licences and spectrum use rights must be reissued through an auction process.

However, the board is exploring whether a transition from an auction-based model to another spectrum allocation model could effectively lower costs for operators.

"There is a complex legal path to navigate," Dr Sarana said.

The NBTC is investigating whether allocating spectrum by means other than an auction would violate existing laws and what regulatory notifications would be required to facilitate such a change.

The regulator is under pressure to provide clarity well in advance to allow broadcasters to finalise their business plans. While the initial auction is scheduled to take place in late 2028, the board is considering accelerating the timeline.

A complicating factor is the differing expiry dates: the licences of broadcasting network providers, known as MUX operators, are set to expire at the end of 2028, while those of broadcasters end in April 2029.

This discrepancy has led to internal debates over who exactly should participate in future auctions and how the timeline should be adjusted to maintain market stability.

3500MHz Band

The NBTC is also weighing the future of the 3500MHz frequency band, which is now being used by satellite TV operators.

The regulator will have to decide whether to terminate the current use of this band early or wait until the licences naturally expire, Dr Sarana said.

Dr Sarana added that the NBTC office has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive study on the pros and cons of early termination of the band, including the required compensation frameworks for affected parties, the changing media ecosystem, and the potential benefits to the public versus the impact on operators.

"The NBTC board has granted the office a 30-day deadline to compile detailed information and legal analysis on these issues," he said.