MCOT-Thailand to join digital-TV bidding

The government has given MCOT the green light to participate in bidding for digital-TV broadcasting licenses.

According to the Bangkok post, Anek Permvongseni, MCOT’s president, said the company planned to bid for licenses for general variety channels with SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition) technology, and for a network for broadcasting services.

He said MCOT had budgeted around five billion baht for the bid and can borrow around 11 billion baht more for the project if necessary.

The company also plans to restructure in order to develop its human resources in line with the project.  

“The Channel 9 operator is a state enterprise, but listed on the stock exchange. It is not entitled to special privileges, so must compete with private firms on equal terms and transparent manner” he said.