BROADCASTERS will be able to deduct their expenses fully for digital-terrestrial TV transmission under the “must carry” rule, while the progressive tariff for contributions to the broadcasting fund is expected to start next year.
"We hope that this new scheme will encourage providers of satellite TV platforms to carry both standard and high-definition digital channels for their customers," Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's broadcasting Committee, said Monday.
Under this relief measure for struggling TV broadcasters, all terrestrial-based digital-TV operators would have the opportunity to get a full deduction for the cost of transmitting their programmes through satellite networks, which is governed by the "must carry" rule.
This rule aims to ensure that satellite-TV subscribers can access all digital free-TV channels.