Rules and Regulations for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcast Service ( NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-12-14 )

December 16, 2014

Law Summary: NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-12-14

The NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-12-14 establishes the rules and regulations for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcast Service in the Philippines. This circular aims to modernize the television broadcast industry by facilitating the transition from analog to digital technology, thus improving service quality and increasing the number of television channels available.

This memorandum identifies the Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial (ISDB-T) as the standard for DTT in the country. ISDB-T offers multiple levels of hierarchical modulation and includes an integrated Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) to inform the public during emergencies. The memorandum details the technical standards for video and audio coding, multiplexing, and service information required for DTT implementation.

The memorandum outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants to provide DTT services. It allows current analog TV operators with valid Congressional Franchise to apply for digital broadcast authorizations within their franchise areas. It also defines the spectrum allocation for DTT services, specifying the usage of frequency bands 512-698 MHz (Channels 21 to 51) and the assignment of a 6 MHz bandwidth per service area. The transition from analog to digital is guided by a Migration Plan to ensure a smooth and systematic changeover.

Consumer protection measures are also included in the memorandum. Manufacturers and importers of TV sets and set-top boxes must explicitly label their products to indicate whether they are capable of receiving ISDB-T broadcasts. This helps consumers make informed choices, ensuring compatibility with the new digital broadcast standard and avoiding unnecessary expenses on incompatible devices.

The circular emphasizes the necessity for broadcasters to ensure compliance with the guidelines to maintain their operational permits. Non-compliance with the migration plan or failure to offer at least one free-to-air program could result in penalties, including the cancellation of broadcast authority and recall of frequency assignments.

In summary, the NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-12-14 is a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to facilitate the transition to digital broadcast technology in the Philippines, ensuring improved television service quality, expanded channel offerings, and enhanced public safety through integrated emergency communication systems.