Thailand - Current situation - History
20.03.2017
NBTC and ITU have joint project on Roadmap Development for Digital Terrestrial Radio Roll Out in Thailand, and just finished the study report “Deployment Strategies for Digital Radio Services in Thailand”, the report is available on the NBTC website at https://broadcast.nbtc.go.th/data/academic/file/600300000002.pdf.
According to the first Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan (2012-2016) states that digital terrestrial radio broadcasting services have to deploy in Thailand within five years after the adoption of the Master Plan. And the first National Digital Economy (DE) plan (2016-2018) also states the strategies for Digital Radio rollout that it should provide digital radio network in Thailand within 3 year after adoption of DE plan.
In this regard, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to start Digital Radio DAB+ trial in 2017 in metropolitan area. Number of trail multiplex and services will be defined, and possible to simulcast with some FM services.
Following the plan, NBTC has developed the draft of Frequency Plan for Digital Radio Trial in Thailand with assisted by ITU. Using some available frequency channels on VHF band III,VHF Band III is now currently used by Analogue TV broadcasting services that will be available after Analogue TV Switch off in Thailand, the draft Digital Radio trial frequency plan will be proposed for approval.
DAB+ demonstrations began in Bangkok on 1st March 2013. NBTC and The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) jointly organized the ‘NBTC/ITU Workshop on Digital Radio Technologies’ held in Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3 March 2013. The Workshop was supported by WorldDAB, MCOT (Mass Communication Organization of Thailand), the Thai Government Public Relations Department (PRD) and the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station. And after that NBTC arrange a series of Digital Radio Rollout together with ITU such as “ NBTC/ITU Workshop on Roadmap for Introduction of Digital Terrestrial Radio Services in Thailand” as detail at http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regional-Presence/AsiaPacific/Pages/Events/2014/December-DR-Thailand/home.aspx.
In the year 2016, NBTC have the project to create awareness and understanding on Digital Radio broadcasting services in 4 regions across Thailand. More than 400 stakeholders joined the conferences. And ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) also supported the conference in the Central region held in Pattaya.
Moreover, NBTC is in the process to revise “Draft of the National Radio Broadcasting Plan”, this plan states on the policy of analog and digital radio broadcasting service in Thailand in each aspects such as standard and technology, spectrum management, licensing and also include digital radio broadcasting plan in Thailand.
13.01.2017
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to start digital radio within 2018. The NBTC is studying guidelines for the planned switch to digital, which is expected to be complete before the start-up of a trial.
Following the successful licence auction for commercial digital TV channels in December 2013, the Thai broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is looking to auction a number of business broadcasting services for digital radio by 2018. The licences would be in the nationwide, regional and local. The auction will be held on a phase-by-phase basis. NBTC, is working on the technical aspects to determine how many licences would be made as well as how to launch the multiplexes. Thailand’s digital radio will be provided on Band III and the number of digital radio licences should be enough to cover the existing radio broadcasters. Thailand also proposes that in the future Community radio should be on low power FM.
DAB+ demonstrations began in Bangkok on 1st March 2013. NBTC and The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) jointly organised the ‘NBTC/ITU Workshop on Digital Radio Technologies’ held in Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3 March 2013.
The Workshop was supported by WorldDMB, MCOT (Mass Communication Organization of Thailand), the Thai Government Public Relations Department and the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station.
The first Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan (2012-2016) states strategies for digital terrestrial radio roll-out, and a roadmap and policy for digital terrestrial radio roll-out within two years after the adoption of the Master Plan.
NBTC is now in the process of developing a policy document for digital radio services. NBTC has supported the launch of services by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the digital radio trial with eight major broadcasters.
20.04.2016
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to start digital radio within 2018. The NBTC is studying guidelines for the planned switch to digital, which is expected to be complete before the start-up of a trial.
Following the successful licence auction for commercial digital TV channels in December 2013, the Thai broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is looking to auction a number of business broadcasting services for digital radio in 2016. The licences would be in the nationwide, regional and local. The auction will be held on a phase-by-phase basis. NBTC, is working on the technical aspects to determine how many licences would be made as well as how to launch the multiplexes. Thailand’s digital radio will be provided on Band III and the number of digital radio licences should be enough to cover the existing radio broadcasters. Thailand also proposes that in the future Community radio should be on low power FM.
DAB+ demonstrations began in Bangkok on 1st March 2013. NBTC and The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) jointly organised the ‘NBTC/ITU Workshop on Digital Radio Technologies’ held in Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3 March 2013.
The Workshop was supported by WorldDMB, MCOT (Mass Communication Organization of Thailand), the Thai Government Public Relations Department and the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station.
The first Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan (2012-2016) states strategies for digital terrestrial radio roll-out, and a roadmap and policy for digital terrestrial radio roll-out within two years after the adoption of the Master Plan.
NBTC is now in the process of developing a policy document for digital radio services. NBTC has supported the launch of services by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the digital radio trial with eight major broadcasters.