National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
- Thailand News
NBTC declines to use special fund for Olympics broadcast rights
In a decisive 7 to 0 vote yesterday, July 17, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) resolved not to allocate 435 million baht from its Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest to sponsor the broadcasting rights for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The proposal had suggested that the NBTC utilise the fund to secure…
- Thailand News
Nation TV’s fresh shows set to revolutionise Thai news
In a thrilling leap into its 25th year, Thailand’s leading news network, Nation TV, is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation under the concept NEXT to The Future. The network is revamping its programming to amplify its renowned news shows and exclusive talks, adding community news and harnessing AI technology to enhance its editorial prowess. This bold move solidifies Nation TV’s position…
- Thailand News
NBTC rings changes: Task force to dial down online banking scams
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. This policy had…
- Business News
Thailand ramps up border telecom crackdown to curb crimes
A crackdown on crimes facilitated by local telecom signals at Thailand’s borders has been ramped up by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This move followed an emergency meeting between the regulator and private telecom operators to address potential criminal activities in these areas. NBTC Deputy Secretary-General Trairat Viriyasirikul revealed that in many border regions, there have been instances…
- Business News
True Corporation and DTAC merger lawsuit stirs telecom sector
A recent order from the Supreme Administrative Court may be causing ripples in the telecommunication sector. The court has asked the Central Administrative Court to accept a lawsuit filed by five individuals, aimed at nullifying the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) approval of the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC). However, industry insiders view this order…
- Business News
National Telecom’s spectrum rights expiry threatens mobile traffic quality
National Telecom (NT), a state telecom company, faces a potential threat to its spectrums as the rights to three of its spectrum ranges are set to expire in September next year. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been urged to devise a transparent plan to reallocate these spectrums, which are currently held by NT. The spectrum ranges in…
- Thailand News
NBTC disaster alert system: No more SMS alerts
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) alongside Advanced Info Services Plc (AIS) has pioneered a mobile phone broadcasting service primed to forewarn citizens of imminent natural disasters. At a joint press conference, NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck and Varunthep Watcharaphon, AIS’s chief of business relations, unveiled the successful trial of this innovative broadcasting service. Funded by the Universal Service Obligation…
- Thailand News
NBTC urges responsible broadcasting amid violent content
A plea for responsible broadcasting has been made by General Sittichai Makkunchorn, the spokesperson for the Chairperson of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). This appeal comes following public outcry over media exposure of violent content, the most recent instance being the wide circulation of a domestic violence case where a man took his wife’s life. This controversy has…
- Thailand News
AIS and True reinforce identity checks for multiple SIM card owners
In response to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s directive, telecom giants AIS and True are set to tighten up measures to verify the identities of customers with multiple SIM cards. This move aims to prevent the temporary suspension of mobile numbers and protect user rights. Varunthep Watcharaphon, Business Relations Chief at Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), stated that AIS…
- Thailand News
National Broadcasting files for bankruptcy of CAT Telecom
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has successfully filed for the bankruptcy of CAT Telecom Public Company Limited. The announcement was made public in the Royal Gazette today (November 25). The order for the asset protection of CAT Telecom Holding Limited was issued on November 3, in line with the Bankruptcy Act, 1940. The court’s decision came after the…
- Business News
NBTC and DES ministry prepare for Thaicom 4 satellite transition in 2024
The office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to prepare for the Thaicom 4 satellite‘s 2024 lifespan expiry at 119.5° East orbit. Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC board chair, held talks with outgoing DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn on joint responsibilities. Thaicom previously managed both Thaicom 4 broadband…
- Business News
AIS withdraws lawsuit against NBTC over True-DTAC merger approval
AIS, the telecommunications giant, recently took a surprising turn as it withdrew its case against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) decision, which recognised the merger between True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC), its two direct competitors. The lawsuit contended that the NBTC board had failed to exercise its authority to regulate the deal according to existing regulations.…
- Business News
Thailand’s NBTC mulls supervision of OTT platforms for fair telecoms
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is weighing the potential regulation of over-the-top (OTT) platforms in Thailand to create a level playing field and ensure equal treatment in the telecom sector. Despite major foreign OTT platform providers having established operations offices in Thailand and adhering to value-added tax (VAT) payment rules, the regulator is contemplating whether these operators should…
- Business News
NBTC scraps 3.8bn baht telehealth project over budget concerns
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board members have voted against the development of a 3.8 billion baht telehealth project, citing misalignment with the objectives of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) project budget. The majority of board members argued that the USO project’s focus should be on supporting telecom network installation and expansion to bridge the digital divide, while…
- Business News
National Telecom unlikely to set high-capacity specifications for first satellite
National Telecom (NT), formed from the merger of TOT and CAT Telecom, is focusing on providing satellite specifications for state agency demands, which are estimated to increase by 7% annually, as stated by a top-ranking executive. With the satellite set to launch in the 126° East slot within the coming three years, determining its specifications is paramount. The firm aims…
- Business News
Nine executives apply for NBTC secretary-general role
A total of nine executives have applied for the position of secretary-general at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). Seven individuals submitted their applications during the initial application period running from March 20 to April 7, with a further two applying during the extended period, concluding May 7. According to Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, NBTC chairman, the new secretary-general will…
