Great leap forward seen for cable television in audience and programming choice

By Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn The Nation Published on July 26, 2008 Cable TV is expected to enter four times more homes in a decade than the current 2.5 million, as there will be more choices from new operators. "We expect cable TV viewers will increase to five million in two years and 10 million in 10 years," Kasem Inkaew, president of the Thailand Cable TV Association, said yesterday. The association is upbeat despite the lack of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), which will regulate both the telecom and broadcasting industries. Article 90 of the new Broadcasting Act allows the National Telecommunications Commission to oversee the broadcasting industry pending the NBTC's establishment, but restricts the NTC to granting licences only to existing cable TV operators and community radio stations.... [read full story]