We would like to post a blog in concerning with the foreign TV channels practice in Mongolia. Today, there are over 130 foreign TV channels broadcasting within Mongolia through the licensed TV multi-channel transmission service providers as their basic package service. One of our clients was recently seeking our assistance on clarifying whether a foreign TV channel is required to obtain any license for broadcast within Mongolia.

Under the currently effective legislation of Mongolia, there is no requirement for a foreign channel operator, or distributor to obtain licences for broadcast within Mongolia. The Communications Regulatory Commission of Mongolia (CRC), a government agency, is entitled to grant a licence to following activities in concern with broadcasting:

• Digital terrestrial television network provider;
• TV& radio and channel broadcasting service.
• TV& radio multi-channel transmission service; and

However, this licensing requirement applies only to Mongolian legal entities, not to foreigners. In practice, a licensed Mongolian legal entity providing TV multi-channel transmission service, entered into an agreement with the foreign channel operator or distributor for broadcasting such foreign channel within Mongolia. TV multi-channel transmission service providers have a responsibility on the contents of foreign TV channel what shall be compatible with Mongolian laws and regulations.

Nowadays, a new legislation in related to the broadcasting is in the process of review. The draft law on broadcasting is currently under review by the parliament. According to the draft, the foreign channel would be required to be register with CRC before entering into the agreement with licensed Mongolian broadcast company.