Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), said that after it announced the criteria for granting permission to use radio frequencies for temporary testing and experimentation, many interested operators applied for permission. After going through the applicants, it proposed to consider approving two operators to conduct temporary testing for a period of six months.
Dharma Radio Station Group, applying under the name of IFZ Innovative Co., Ltd., has been granted permission to use radio frequencies, Block 9A (Center Frequency 202.928 MHz) in the Bangkok and surrounding areas. The radio stations participating in the testing include Dharma for People Station and Santi Radio Station.
Khon Kaen Station Group, applying under the name of JKP Engineering Radio Co., Ltd. Permission to use the radio frequency, block frequency 6C (center frequency 185.360 MHz) in the areas of Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham, with radio stations participating in the test, such as Khon Kaen Mahanakhon Radio Station, Sai Fah Radio Station, and Thai Local Radio Station.
To meet the license conditions, the licensee must establish a digital radio network by installing standard transmitter equipment according to the NBTC announcement on technical standards for digital broadcasting transmitters, and use the frequency as permitted by the license, with the installation of 4 antennas as specified to cover the specified area. Up to 16-18 programs (radio stations) can be broadcasted, depending on the specified sound quality or bit rate.
For the radio stations participating in the test, they must be FM radio stations that have been authorized by the NBTC to be able to broadcast in parallel with the DAB+ system without any content modification, and are prohibited from seeking additional income from this test. The licensee must be responsible for all costs of installing the test equipment, including providing digital radio receivers so that the public can listen to the broadcast.
“The permission to test the digital radio system DAB+ this time is another step forward in the development of the broadcasting business in Thailand. It is an opportunity for general operators who are ready to join together to test and experiment by themselves. This allows such operators to learn both the technology of the system and learn about management and economics that follow the market mechanism. As the NBTC, I have a duty to promote and support under free and fair competition. Although this permission will start at the local and regional level, it can be expanded to broadcasting at the national level if additional networks are established. Currently, Thailand does not have a truly national broadcasting system that can broadcast programs from a single station so that people can listen to that station simultaneously nationwide. This must be urgently pushed for to benefit the country’s public communication, especially in warning of disasters or other emergencies, such as the recent earthquakes, if other telecommunications systems cannot be used in the future,” said Air Chief Marshal Dr. Thanapan (NBTC).