QuestionsQuestions (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-06-2004)
It is issued pursuant to Act 3846 (as amended), Executive Order No. 546, and the International Telecommunications Regulations, specifically ITU-T Recommendation D.90.
The guidelines define the duties and responsibilities of accounting authorities so they operate in accordance with International Radio Regulations and applicable ITU-T Recommendations, particularly Recommendation D.90.
An Accounting Authority is an 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 and the MF, HF, and VHF radio media, unless specifically stated otherwise.
Accounting Authorities must be registered with the Commission, subject to periodic review and inspection for compliance.
Relinquishment: notify NTC at least 6 months in advance. Change in ownership/merge/sell: notify at least 3 months in advance; the new owner is treated as a new applicant if it wants to become an Accounting Authority.
It is the Accounting Authority Identification Code allocated to each AA. It has two parts: two letters indicating the country (e.g., PH for the Philippines) and numeric characters (maximum of two) identifying the AA.
They must maintain all accounting records for at least five (5) years.
Organized under Philippine laws for maritime accounting/billing/collection; has skill/expertise in maritime accounting or related commercial accounting; has authorized capitalization of PHP 4,000,000.00; and can provide full accounting facilities for all maritime services, including maritime mobile satellite via electronic media, with the required software.
A Letter of Intent; duly accomplished application form; SEC/DTI registration certificate and Articles of Incorporation (or business permit where applicable/optional for new); latest audited financial statements if applicable; list of personnel complement/organizational structure; list of equipment/office facilities; procedure in collection and billing; flowchart of collection and billing; and economic viability/financial feasibility study.
They must provide customers a clear statement of accounts indicating period, date, time, and amount as the basis for charges.
They must guarantee payment of the collection charges to the communication service providers for traffic originating from Philippine registered maritime mobile stations.
Inmarsat Mobile Number (IMN); ship call sign; Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number (MMSI); commencement/termination date; previous agent or new agent (if applicable); and previous owner (if applicable).
On a quarterly basis.
Initial Certificate after compliance: valid for 1 year. Any new Certificate issued on temporary basis: valid for 6 months. Renewal: valid for 1 year.
Incomplete application; failure to provide necessary information requested by the Commission; or the applicant indicates it cannot meet a particular provision of the Circular.
Failure to submit required reports; non-payment of necessary fees and charges; and violation of any provisions of the Circular.
Filing fee: PHP 500.00. Temporary Certificate of Recognition fee: PHP 2,500.00. Regular Certificate of Recognition fee: PHP 5,000.00 per year. Inspection fee: PHP 1,200.00 per year.
A penalty fine of PHP 5,000.00 for each and every offense. Other violations of Radio Laws and Regulations are penalized according to the Commission’s schedule of fines and penalties.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation, and three (3) certified true copies are furnished to the UP Law Center.