Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-06-2004)
An Accounting Authority refers to any organization designated by the Administration that acts as a billing intermediary between maritime mobile stations and service providers.
It covers the maritime mobile satellite service as well as the MF, HF and VHF radio media, unless specifically stated otherwise.
The Administration refers to any government organization responsible for fulfilling obligations under the International Telecommunications Union Convention, specifically the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) or the Commission in the Philippines.
The entity must be organized under Philippine laws to engage in maritime accounting, billing, and collection; have skill and expertise in these fields; possess an authorized capitalization of PHP 4,000,000; and be capable of providing full accounting facilities for all maritime services including maritime mobile satellite communications.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, completed application form, SEC or DTI Registration Certificate or business permit, latest audited financial statement if applicable, personnel list, list of equipment or facilities, billing and collection procedures and flowchart, and an economic viability and financial feasibility study.
Grounds include incomplete application, failure to provide necessary information, failure to meet the Circular’s provisions, failure to submit required reports, non-payment of fees and charges, or violation of any provision of this Circular.
A penalty fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PHP 5,000.00) for each offense shall be imposed, and other violations of Radio Laws and Regulations shall follow the Commission's schedule of fines and penalties.
Filing fee is PHP 500.00; temporary Certificate of Recognition fee is PHP 2,500.00; regular Certificate of Recognition fee is PHP 5,000.00 per year; and inspection fee is PHP 1,200.00 per year.
They must provide clear statements of accounts, obtain and share tariff information, guarantee payment of charges to service providers for traffic from Philippine-registered maritime stations, and maintain up-to-date and accurate records for ships under their responsibility.
Accounting Authorities must maintain all accounting records for a minimum period of five (5) years.
They must report Inmarsat Mobile Number, ship call sign, Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number, commencement or termination date, previous or new agent, and previous owner if applicable, immediately to the ITU through the Commission.
ITU-T Recommendation D.90 is adopted as part of the Circular; it establishes principles for charging, billing, international accounting, and settlement for the maritime mobile service.