Broadcast regulators have yet to authorize household subsidies for the purchase of set-top boxes needed by most consumers to view digital television transmissions.
Although a committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission previously recommended THB1,000 be sent to every household in Thailand to help pay for the devices, consumer advocates have cried foul, saying that is twice the amount the devices cost. The Independent Organization for Consumer Protection complained last week the subsidy is an unwise use of the public’s money that will push up prices and benefit a few manufacturers by causing the public to overpay for the signal converters.
Such devices cost about THB400 in the United States while vendors in Thailand are asking for THB1,000 to THB1,200.
The Consumer’s Network has suggested a subsidy of about THB500.
Commission chief Thakorn Tanthasit said they decided yesterday to give more consideration to the final value of the coupons with a decision to come within two weeks, NNT reported.
Meanwhile digital transmissions began at the beginning of April.
Photo: NNT
Correction: An earlier version of the article included the wrong image. For all its responsibilities, we do not believe the Election Commission was involved with the digital television subsidies.
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