QuestionsQuestions (NTC Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2015)
To set rules on the measurement of fixed broadband/internet access service to promote and protect broadband customers’/subscribers/users’ rights to be informed of service quality and to foster fair competition in the telecommunications market, pursuant to R.A. No. 7925 and related issuances.
A data connection speed of at least 256 kbps, as defined by the ITU.
Downstream and upstream average data rate, latency, jitter, and packet loss.
To ensure fair measurement results; for example, if an ISP only provides the access network and leases bandwidth from other providers, the measurement must be conducted within the ISP’s access network.
At the station protector that connects to the drop wire.
At the “INa” port of the Optical Network Unit (ONU).
At the “INa” port of the fixed wireless modem.
At the LAN port of the cable modem.
There shall be no applications running while measurements are being conducted.
The test equipment must be free from viruses or any form of malware.
Known locations are agreed upon by ISPs, consumer groups, and the Commission. Unknown locations are selected by the Commission, and must be made known to ISPs and consumer groups not later than 2 days after the conduct of the measurements.
Within the ISP’s LAN; outside the ISP’s LAN but within the national network; and outside the ISP’s LAN and located outside the Philippines.
At least twice (2x) a week, during both peak and off-peak hours; and there should be no monitoring/measurement activities during adverse weather conditions.
Subscribers/users must be properly informed of the offered broadband/internet service (e.g., flyers, brochures, advertisements) and information must always be updated. ISPs must specify average downstream and upstream data rates per area and include service rates in advertisements and service agreements.
ISPs may set maximum data volume limits if they inform subscribers automatically when the used volume reaches 80%, 85%, 90%, and 95%; when usage reaches 100%, the subscriber must be automatically informed that continuing means being charged the normal rates.
They may opt to establish a 24/7 Help Desk hotline number instead of an automatic system so subscribers can call to check remaining volume; the provider must still inform subscribers that at 100% usage, continuing will result in charges at normal rates.
Not later than five (5) days from the end of each month on the NTC website and released to the media. Results must be averaged per ISP and indicate at least the points (Aa and Ba) where tests were performed, date/time of tests, and subscriber plan data.
Before posting, each ISP must be informed of the results and given the opportunity to explain its side.
ISPs offering Committed Information Rate (CIR) must comply with Memorandum Circular No. 12-19-2004; and Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011 shall remain effective.