MCOT to switch-off analogue signal
MCOT will switch off its remaining analogue broadcast signals from July 16 since its digital coverage area now reaches 95 per cent of the total population.
Kematat Paladesh, president of MCOT Plc, said that since the commencement of digital broadcast in Thailand in 2014, traditional TV operators have continued to simulcast on both digital and analogue systems.
Since the current coverage of digital TV network has reached 95 per cent of the population, the switch-off should not affect TV viewing experiences.
After broadcasting in high-definition for some of time, the company said it was ready to switch off the analogue broadcast signal and move towards full digitisation of terrestrial TV broadcasting, in accordance with the Master Plan on Spectrum Management of the National Broadcast and Telecommunication Commission (the NBTC). Some other operators have already switched off their traditional analogue channels.
The switch-off of analogue broadcast signals transmitted from 36 relay stations covering 73 provinces nationwide has been divided into two stages. In the first stage, the analogue signals from 13 relay stations in Sra Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Petchabun, Nan, Mukdahan, Tak, Chumpon, Loei, Ranong, Satun, Mae Sariang Disctrict in Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son and Takua Pa District in Pang Nga were terminated on March 1.
The analogue signals from 23 relay stations in Bangkok, Nakorn Ratchasima, Sonkhla, Chiang Mai, Ubon Rachgatani, Rayong, Singh Buri, Surat Thani, Yala, Sukothai, Nakorn Sawan, Trang, Kon Kean, Trat, Phuket, Udonthani, Lampang, Phrae, Chiang Rai, Roi Et, Surin, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Nakorn Si Thammarat will be terminated at the second stage, on July 16.
During the switch-off process, a 24-hour call centre will be set up to assist the audiences who experience viewing difficulties on 9 MCOT HD and MCOT Family 14.
It is expected that after the switch-off, the company’s electricity costs will reduce by Bt24 million per year. As for the people in charge of analogue broadcasts, they will be trained to provide new engineering services to clients in the future.
