Cable TV Expected to Get Telecom License

An official with the Ministry of Information Industry disclosed that the ministry might grant telecom business licenses to cable TV network companies and permit State-owned telecom companies to enter the broad-frequency TV transmission market. This policy shows that a major breakthrough will be made to the restriction on mutual non-entry of the two departments and that realization of the integration of telecom, television and Internet can be expected soon.

Presently, the work of separating network from TV station of cable TV is under way. After the amalgamation of wired and wireless TV stations, the cable TV station will specialize in making and broadcasting TV programs. The cable TV network will exclusively handle the transmission of programs, value-added and expansion business, thereby providing the basic conditions for cable TV to enter into the telecom market.

However, such permission doesn't mean the audio-video market will immediately be opened to domestic telecom companies.

An official with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television disagreed that the telecom system transmits TV programs without approval.



By PD Online Staff Deng Gang


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