Republic of the Philippines

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

NTC Bldg., BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
No. C7-12-2a14

Subject: Rules and Regulations for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT)

Broadcast Service

Whereas, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) No. 546, Series of 1979, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is vested with the power to promulgate rules and
regulations as public safety and interest may require, to encourage a large and more
effective use of communications, radio and television broadcasting facilities and to maintain
effective competition amon g private entities ;

Whereas, in order to keep pace with the development in technology, the introduction
of digital technology in the broadcasting service would ensure the competitiveness of the
broadcast industry and afford it the opportunity to provide enhanced services to better serve
the public;

Whereas, in order to facilitate the entry of digital broadcast services in the country,
there is a need to provide the corresponding guidelines for the delivery of digital television
services and ensure smooth transition from analog to digitaltelevision;

Now therefore, the NTC, pursuant to Act No. 3846, the Radio Control Law (as
amended) and Executive Order 546 series of 1979, hereby issues the following
rules and
regulations on the introduction of the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast (DTTTB)
service:

Section 1. Definition of Terms

Section 1.1. Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) An implementation

-
of the digital technology in the television service intended to provide a greater
number of
Standard Definition Television (SDTV) channels and/or better quality of picture (e.g.
HDTV) and sound (e.9. AAC, EAc3, Dolby Digital) through a conventionalaerial
antenna
instead of a satellite or cable connection. lt also pertains to Digital Terrestrial
Television
(DTr)

Section 1.2. Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial (ISDB-T) A flexible

digital television (DTV) transmission system that is capable of providing
-
three (3) levels
of hierarchical modulation that can carry audio, video and data services to fixed,
mobile
and handheld terminals using a single transmission facility with an integrated
Emergency
Warning Broadcast System (EWBS).

Section 1.3. Standard Definition TV (SDTV)

- A television broadcasting system that
has a resolution of 480 lines per frame.
 Section 1.4. High Definition TV (HDTV) - A television broadcasting system with a
resolution higher than 480 lines per frame.

Section 1.5. Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Service - The service
or set of services provided by a television broadcast service provider using digital
technology, whether fixed or mobile which may include, but are not limited to, television
broadcast services, audio broadcast services, data broadcast services and such other
services as may become available in the future.

Section 1.6. Single Frequency Network (SFN) - A transmission scheme where

several broadcast transmitters simultaneously send the same signal contenUprogram
over the same 6 MHz frequency channel over an approved service area.

Section 1.7. Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) * A system in DTTB

service that shall be activated to alert and guide the public of an impending or ongoing
emergency situation by delivering warning information through an audible sound and the
superimposition of data to various types of ISDB-T receivers that are automatically
activated.

Section 1.8. Duly Authorized Analog TV Operator - A duly enfranchised ry

broadcast network in possession of a valid Provisional Authority (PA) or Certificate of
Public Convenience (CPC) for VHF or UHF analog TV broadcast operations upon
effectivity of this lRR.

Section 1.9. Data Broadcasting / Datacasting - A method of delivering Rich Text and
graphics on the screen including the details and instructions from Emergency Warning
Broadcast of an ISDB-T service.

Section 1.10. One-Seg - A mandated service in DTT for broadcasting to handheld

and portable devices. Such service shall contain the free to air legacy program and the
support for the display of Emergency Warning Broadcast information.

Section 1.11. Analog Shut-Off (ASO) -The date in the approved Migration Plan for
the mandatory termination of all analog television services in the Philippines.

Section 1.12. Digital Switch On (DSO) - The date of effectivity of this lmplementing
Rules and Regulations (lRR).

section 1.13. Transition Period - The period beginning with DSo untilASo.

Section 1.14. Service Area - The geographic area over which a Duly Authorized
Analog TV operator is authorized to provide its broadcast services or the authorized
service area approved for a new DTTB station.

Section 1.15. Broadcast Markup Language(BML) - A data-transmission markup

language allowing text to be displayed on an ISDB-T enabled device.
 3

Section 1.16. Middleware - A software layer located between the classical operating
system (software that provides access to resources and devices) and the applications.

Section 2. General Provisions

Section 2.1. The ISDB-T standard shall be the sole standard in the delivery of DTTB
services in the country.

Section 2.2. The provisioning of DTTB services shall be allowed upon effectivity of
this lRR.

Section 2.2.a. The analog VHF-TV service shall neither be disrupted nor
terminated until further orders or approval of the Commission.

Section 2.2.b. Duly authorized analog VHF TV operators shall be required to

simulcast their DTTB service together with the analog TV service within one (1) year
upon the grant of Authority to provide DTTB service, subject to the provisions of this
IRR and other pertinent rules and regulations that the NTC may issue in the future. lf
any VHF TV operator is unable to simulcast, other qualified UHF TV operators may
be allowed to use for their simulcast the frequency assigned to the VHF operator that
is unable to simulcast, subject to Section 2.2.c.

Section 2.2.c. Analog UHF-TV operators may go directly to DTTB service anytime
during the Transition Period using their assigned analog UHF-TV frequency, provided
that a notice or advisory to the viewing public shall be given at least one month
before the start of operations of the DTTB Service.

Analog UHF TV operators may also simulcast, subject to availability of

frequencies, togetherwith their analog TV service within one (1) year upon the grant
of Authority to provide DTTB service. This is also subject to the provisions of this IRR
and other pertinent rules and regulations that the NTC may issue in the future. The
NTC shall issue the appropriate guidelines for the assignment of frequencies for such
analog UHF TV operators.

Section 2.2.d. All DTTB stations shall provide a minimum of 51 dBpV/m rooftop
(10 meters) reception for its approved service area.

Section 2.3. A duly authorized DTTB service provider shall have the option,
manifested in its application to the NTC, to adopt either single or multi-program HDTV
format or single or multi-program SDTV format, or any combination thereof, for its digital
service. Any subsequent change in the program format that results in degradation or
termination of an existing program shall require prior written approval from the NTC. In
case of failure by the NTC to issue its decision within fifteen (15) days from the filing of
an application for change or termination of format, the application shall be deemed
approved.

Section 2.4. The provision of new programs in addition to the analog legacy program
is encouraged. The provision of HD programs is likewise encouraged.

Y
 Section 2.5. UHF frequencies identified by the Commission, each with a bandwidth of
6 MHz, may be utilized for the provision of DTTB Service during the Transition period.

Section 2.6. Applications for DTTB Service by entities with no existing Authorization
for analog TV service at the time of approval of the IRR shall not be granted during the
transition period in Mega Manila which consists of Metro Manila including the Provinces
of Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal. Authorizations for new DTTB Service
may be granted outside Mega Manila during the transition period subject to frequency
availability in the area being applied for.

Section 2.7. The broadcasters chose Broadcast Markup Language (BML) to be used
for the smooth implementation of the EWBS function.

Section 2.8. No analog TV service shall be allowed after ASO. The ASO shall be
reviewed five (5) years after DSO in order to determine the extent to which the
objective/targets of the Transition Plan, in relation to Section 5.6, have been
achieved/satisfied.

Section 3. Qualification of Applicants for DTTB Service

The following Entities with a valid Congressional Franchise to provide a TV

broadcasting service may apply for an authorization to operate a DTTB Service in their
Franchise Area:

a. Existing Duly Authorized Analog TV Operators;

b. Entities with pending petitions for the issuance of authorizations to provide analog
TV service desiring to amend their respective petitions for the issuance of
authorizations to provide DTTB service; and
c. Entities with no existing petition for the issuance of an authorization for analog TV
service.

No petitions or applications for new DTTB Service shall be granted by the NTC until
all existing duly authorized analog operators have been granted their applications and
assigned their DTT frequencies, subject to the provision of Section 4.2.

Section 4. Qualification Criteria and Petitions for DTTB Service

Section 4.1. Applicants intending to provide DTTB service shall possess the following
minimum qualifications:

a. Holder of a Congressional Broadcast Franchise in the area applied for;

b. Must have the financial capacity to install, operate and maintain a DTTB
service; and
c. Must prove that it has the technical capability to install, operate and
maintain the proposed DTTB network.
 5

Section 4.2. A duly authorized analog TV operator desiring to provide DTTB service
shall file within sixty (60) days from effectivity of this IRR a Manifestation in the case/s
pertaining to its analog TV Petition/s indicating its intention to convert its analog TV
service to DTTB. Any duly authorized analog TV operator that fails to convert its analog
TV service to DTT within the transition period shall result in the cancellation of its
Authority/Permit and the automatic recall of its frequency assignment.

Section 4.3. Pending petitions for authorization to provide analog TV service may be
amended by motion into a petition for authorization to provide DTTB Service. The
petitioner shall comply with all the requirements of this IRR and prove its legal, technical,
and financial capability to provide DTTB Service. Pending petitions for a new analog TV
service which are not converted to a petition to provide DTTB Service within one
hundred eighty (180) days from date of etfectivity of this IRR shall be dismissed by the
NTC.

Section 4.4. A duly enfranchised entity with no existing petition or application for
issuance of an authorization to provide analog TV service that desires to provide DTTB
Service shall file the requisite petition for each service area in which it intends to provide
DTTB Service. The petitioner shall state its legal, technical and financial capability to
provide such service; the type of DTTB services to be provided; and the schedule for
providing said services; provided, that an applicant for DTTB shall provide at least one
(1 ) freeto-air program.

Section 4.5. A separate petition shall be filed for each new or additional service area
applied for.

Section 4.6. All pending petitions for the issuance of authorizations to provide DTTB
Service shall be amended to comply with the requirements of this Memorandum Circular.

Section 4.7. Upon the effectivity of this lRR, petitions or applications for new
authorization to install and operate new analog TV broadcast stations shall no longer be
accepted by the Commission.

Section 5. Spectrum Allocation

Section 5.1. The frequency bands, 512-698 MHz (Channels 21 to 51) are hereby
allocated for the implementation of the DTTB service.

Section 5.2. A bandwidth of 6 MHz shall be assigned for each authorized DTTB
Service per service area.

Section 5.3. Where it is technically feasible, single frequency network (SFN) shall be
allowed.

Section 5.4. The NTC shall take steps to provide the opportunity to UHF TV stations
to simulcast by allocating frequencies that may become available.
 r6

Section 5.5. UHF TV stations shall be given equitable opportunity in the assignment
of frequencies that may become available for simulcast after all VHF W stations have
been assigned their simulcast frequencies.

Section 5.6. The transition and migration from analog TV to DTTB Service shall be
based on a Transition Plan formulated by the NTC in consultation with the broadcast
industry. The Transition Plan shall specify the following:

a. The specific DTTB frequencies to be assigned to duly authorized analog VHF

TV operators in each of their respective service areas;
b. The schedule for filing of applications for DTTB Service for the various
categories of qualified applicants specified in Section 3; and
c. The period allowed for the construction of DTTB stations for the various
categories of qualified applicants specified in Section 3.

Section 5.7. All analog TV Broadcast Transmissions shall be terminated on the ASO
specified in the approved Migration Plan.

Section 6. Sale of TV Sets and Set-Top Boxes

Manufacturers and importers of brand new TV receiving sets shall indicate in each
TV set whether the same can receive analog signal only and will require a set top box or
whether the same can receive ISDB-T programs. Thus the following labels shall be used for
television sets and set-top boxes:

a. ISDB-T ready STB;

b. Non-ISDB-T ready STB;
c. ISDB-T ready TV; and
d. Analog TV.

Section 7. All other standards specific to the Philippine DTTB system is hereto attached as
Annex "A" of this lRR.

Section 8. Migration Plan

A DTTB Migration Plan shall be issued later by the government. The Migration Plan
is a comprehensive plan that intends to address the policy, regulatory and technical issues
as well as fiscal considerations, industry and consumer support interventions, and other
measures necessary for the country's migration to Digital TV broadcasting, including the
date of the planned ASO. The NTC shall issue the corresponding additional Rules and
Regulations in accordance with the approved Migration Plan.

Section 9. Repealing Clause

Any Circular, Order or Memorandum or parts thereof inconsistent herewith

deemed superseded and/or amended accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity

6
 This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of
general circulation and upon filing with the UP Law Center of three (3) certified copies of this
IRR.

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Quezon City, Philippines, 16

L . CORDOBA
Com tsstoner

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Deputy commissioner