Bangkok, NBTC joins in discussions and listens to in-depth opinions from digital TV business operators. For consideration of the use of the 3500 MHz frequency band.
Clinical Professor Dr. Saran Boonbaichaiphruek Chairman of the Broadcasting Business Committee Television business and the National Telecommunications Commission (NBTC Chairman), Mr. Torphong Selanont, NBTC, and Pol. Gen. Dr. Natthorn Phaosunthorn, NBTC, attended to hear opinions directly from the people. Operate the digital TV business in order to make decisions in determining the direction for the allocation of spectrum in the 3500 MHz band.
At this time, the NBTC Office is studying the opportunity. and the possibility of allocating spectrum in the 3500 MHz band, which will be carefully considered. Especially the trends in the next 5 years, policymaking will try to listen to all sides. In order to have minimal impact or no impact at all, however, in addition to the digital TV business There are still a large number of people who still watch s
atellite TV and there are still issues of national identity and cultural importance. This is the contribution that digital TV has made to Thailand all along. However, any action must be in accordance with the law.
For this matter, which is currently being studied. It may be used in many cases, such as Private 5G, including expanding bandwidth for 5G use in the country. However, at present, there are still concerns about the geographic suitability of using such frequencies in the Southeast Asian region, which The GSMA Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has also raised concerns on this issue. Moreover, market needs may need to be considered. The readiness of the industry to use this area of ??radio. economic value Including the readiness of telecommunications operators to bid for spectrum in this area.
In this regard, digital TV operators Led by Mr. Suphap Klikhachai, President of the Digital Television Association (Thailand), along with executives from Thairath TV, Amarin TV, GMM, One31 and GMM25, they requested to
discuss with the NBTC and NBTC presidents. Concerns that the allocation of 3500 MHz of spectrum for telecommunications will result in digital TV being unable to continue its business. This is because at present digital TV still relies on C-band satellites which rely on this frequency band for broadcasting. C-band satellites are considered the main channel that digital TV uses for broadcasting. while other channels for broadcasting digital TV Viewers are continuously decreasing due to changes in consumer behavior from the expansion of content viewing via OTT channels and other factors. Maintaining the 3500 MHz frequency band for use with C-band satellites is therefore the way to go. survival of digital TV business operators who must continue to do business Until the license expires in the next 5 years.
‘The 3500 MHz wave is like the oxygen pipe that allows digital TV to survive. If there is no wave in this area for C-band, it is like the NBTC unplugging the ventilator for digital TV,’ Mr. Suphap said.
Busine
ss operators are well aware of the need for legal matters. and the importance of the 3500 MHz frequency band that has been accepted as a spectrum for IMT, we would like to at least delay the return of the frequency band to use for telecommunications. By requesting that at least the digital TV business license expire in the year 2029 first.
Source: Thai News Agency