Bhutan.net

Better late than never. Bhutan has finally lifted its ban on television and the Internet. On 2 June, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) begins its television network, while Druknet goes online. The date marks the 25th anniversary of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk's coronation

But the ban on satellite dishes—more flouted than followed—will remain, says the state-run Kuensel weekly. In an editorial, the paper said the arrival of a national television channel would mean that the satellite dishes dotting the Thimphu skyscape would be a thing of the past: "Once Bhutan is able to telecast national programmes and selected international programmes the cumbersome and expensive dish antennae become unnecessary. Hopefully, they will even disappear."