The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will run digital-TV broadcast trials from April 1-24 to test the technical aspects of network transmission.
Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, said three network providers — Thai PBS, the Royal Thai Army and MCOT Plc — will be permitted to test their network signal transmissions for digital-TV channels.
The NBTC is also allowing the satellite transponder provider TC Broadcasting, a subsidiary of Thaicom Plc, to test its system in line with the must-carry rule. This means each satellite set-top box provider must also run digital-TV trials from April 1, as their platforms will have to carry 24 digital-TV channels.
During the trials, the network providers have to control the quality of their signal transmissions in preparation for a smooth broadcast for their channel launches.
It is illegal to charge rental fees during the trial period. The technical trial will test the frequency, which is owned by the channel operators. This trial is a legal process and not included as a part of the licence terms.
Col Natee said the panel will issue licences for 24 digital-TV channels next week, and the licences will be effective around late April after the trials.
For digital-TV operators, each channel can run its broadcast trial based on content readiness and channels are not required to air around the clock.
During the first stage, the digital-TV network will cover four provinces — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima.
A broadcasting industry source said the Public Relations Department, one of four network providers, is not ready to operate its network, as it faces a procurement problem, meaning it cannot provide its service by April 1. The department has no clients, as commercial digital-TV operators are worried about political intervention.
The network may be rented by public-purpose channels, whose licences will be allocated at mid-year.