NBTC
- Thailand News
NBTC dials in: Biometric crackdown rings alarm for SIM scammers
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is cracking down on unauthorised SIM cards and online scams with the introduction of stringent biometric authentication for SIM card registration. This move targets dodgy SIM dealers, who now face hefty penalties if caught flouting the rules. These new measures are set to shake up the mobile subscriber landscape in Thailand, where over…
- Thailand News
NBTC orders dismantling of antenna towers near Tak border
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has mandated mobile networks to dismantle 24 antenna towers located within 50 metres of the Tak province border by February 24. Antennas within 200 metres must reduce transmission power and height to a maximum of 15 metres. On February 6, the Facebook page of Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, a well-known news presenter, reported these measures.…
- Thailand News
Thai media regulator jailed for abusing power in TrueID scandal
A high-ranking member of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been sentenced to two years in prison for abusing her position in a controversial case involving the OTT media platform TrueID. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases ruled today that Professor Pirongrong Ramasoota was guilty of malfeasance in office, having unfairly targeted TrueID and causing…
- Phuket News
Phuket succuessfully tests new mobile emergency alert system
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Phuket Provincial Office, successfully trialled the Cell Broadcast mobile emergency warning system. The trial, conducted yesterday, November 19, at the Chao Fah Meeting Room in Phuket Provincial Hall, was led by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and witnessed by key figures, including Nattapol Natthasomboon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital…
- Business News
Sky’s the limit: TC Space Connect orbits to victory in satellite bid
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has selected TC Space Connect, a subsidiary of Thaicom, as the winning bidder for the two remaining satellite orbit packages. This decision follows an extensive review by the bid selection committee, which concluded that TC Space Connect was the sole contender for the licences. NBTC’s timeline was slated yesterday, October 16, for finalising…
- Business News
Thailand seeks ITU extension for satellite orbital slot until 2025
Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is seeking a one-year extension from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to continue using the 50.5° East satellite orbital slot beyond its expiration on November 27. The request is part of a broader effort to finalise the awarding of rights for two unsold orbital slot packages, including the 142° East slot and a…
- Business News
Digital TV operators sink or swim with licence deadline drama
Digital TV operators are in hot water as they face a raft of industry troubles and the looming expiry of their licences in 2029. The sector is grappling with rapidly changing viewer habits, a surge in streaming services, and nagging worries about dwindling viewership figures. Back in 2013, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) auctioned off 24 digital TV…
- Thailand News
Could Thailand become ASEAN’s first spaceport?
Thailand is setting its sights on the stars, with bold plans to become ASEAN’s first spaceport. Thanapant Raicharoen, a commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), urges the country to seize the opportunity to become a key player in the rapidly growing space industry. Thanapant envisions Thailand playing a vital role not only in satellite development but also…
- Thailand News
Over 2 million unregistered Thai mobile numbers suspended
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) suspended the services of over 2 million mobile phone numbers after their owners missed the identity registration deadline yesterday. This move aims to enhance security and reduce fraud related to unregistered mobile numbers. The affected numbers are primarily linked to individuals possessing between six and 100 unregistered SIM cards. The suspension affects their…
- Thailand News
Mobile users must verify SIM cards by tomorrow or face restrictions
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has mandated that individuals possessing between six and 100 SIM cards must verify their identities at mobile operators’ service centres by tomorrow, July 11, or face restrictions on outgoing calls and text messages. Out of a total of 3,981,251 SIM cards, 1,635,407 had their identities verified as of yesterday, leaving over 2.3 million…
- Business News
3,900 Thai community radio stations to cease under new digital scheme
Approximately 3,900 community radio stations will be forced to cease broadcasting after this year due to the transition from analogue to a licensing regime and a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) scheme. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been working on the digital radio regulatory framework, aiming to implement it by September. This significant change is set to happen…
- Business News
Extend-a-signal: NT tunes in for spectrum band extension
National Telecom (NT) is poised to seek an extension from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to continue utilising three spectrum bands beyond their expiration in September 2025. The requested extension, spanning 90 days, aims to ensure a seamless transition for NT’s current customers to alternative bands. NT intends to maintain operations on the 850MHz, 2100MHz, and 2300MHz bands,…
- Thailand News
NBTC crackdown on online scams: 106 million mobile numbers under scrutiny
Scammers in Thailand use SIM cards registered under other people’s names to call potential victims and lure them into sending money or take control of their phones remotely to steal money with banking apps. The NBTC is working with banks and mobile network operators AIS and True to ensure that connected phone SIM cards and mobile banking accounts are registered…
- Thailand News
NBTC member corruption complaint thrown out
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed a high-profile dereliction of duties complaint against NBTC bigwig Pirongrong Ramasoota. The ruling cited insufficient evidence to support the allegations. True Digital Group, a faction of True Corporation, ignited the legal firestorm back in March, accusing Pirongrong of stirring up trouble by dispatching notices to 127 TV and radio…
- Business News
NBTC board rejects new mobile tariff structure due to lack of study
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board declined to approve a new tariff structure for mobile services, citing a lack of comprehensive study on the matter. The proposed tariff would have charged customers on a per-second basis, reflecting actual usage. The board has voiced concerns over the potential for increased costs for consumers and has asked for a more…
- Thailand News
NBTC crackdowns on unregistered SIM cards in Thailand
Statistics disclosed to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) revealed that over half of those owning over 100 SIM cards in Thailand have reportedly registered themselves with operator AIS. Amid a crackdown initiated by the NBTC in December to curb potential misuse, February 14 marked the deadline for individuals holding more than six SIM cards to authenticate their identities…
- Business News
Thai PBS proposes 4K broadcasting trial to combat streaming threat
Thai Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), in a bid to stay in line with the global trend of upgrading broadcast technology, has proposed a trial of the 4K high-resolution broadcasting platform. This would broadcast content in 16 provinces across Thailand, said the public broadcaster. This move is seen as crucial to combat the rising threat of streaming platforms in the broadcasting…
- Thailand News
Thai NBTC to investigate 40,000 numbers linked to SMS and phone scams
The Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is poised to probe 40,000 numbers, suspected to be instrumental in SMS and phone scams, to apprehend the main culprits. A meeting was recently held by an NBTC subcommittee to discuss the data collected on these alleged scam phone numbers. Key representatives from law enforcement agencies, the central bank and mobile phone…
- Business News
5G network development: NBTC explores 3500MHz band allocation
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is exploring the potential of allocating a section of the 3500-megahertz band to foster the development of a private 5G network. This move is aimed at encouraging practical applications across industries and enterprises. Talks are underway between NBTC and various stakeholders including telecom operators, vendors, representatives from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand,…
- Politics News
Thai PM candidate Pitha clears air over ITV shares controversy
Pitha Limcharoenrat, head of Thailand’s progressive party, Move Forward Party, and candidate for prime minister, has refuted allegations surrounding his ownership of shares in ITV Plc. Ruangkrai Leekijwattana recently claimed to have discovered that Pitha holds 42,000 shares in ITV Plc, and has called for the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to investigate the matter. The situation is significant as…
