Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 12-8-92)
The primary purpose is to prescribe rules and regulations to govern the installation, operation, and maintenance of radio communication networks by civic action organizations actively engaged in public assistance during emergencies or disasters, ensuring orderly and effective use of the radio frequency spectrum.
A civic action organization, group, club, or society duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and having a bona fide minimum active membership of fifty (50) members of good standing can apply.
The application must be accompanied by: 1) An authenticated copy of its SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, and By-Laws; 2) Duly certified list of all members, Board of Directors, and Officers by the Secretary; 3) A letter of intent with technical description and network diagram signed by a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer; 4) Existing Memorandum of Agreement with government or non-government agencies; 5) National Bureau of Investigation Clearance for all bona fide members.
Organizations must secure: 1) Permit to Purchase radio equipment; 2) Construction Permit for base stations before construction or installation; 3) Radio Station License before operation; 4) Appropriate Radio Operator's Certificate for operators.
Operators of base stations must hold at least a Second Class Radio Telephone Operator Certificate. Operators of mobile or portable stations must hold at least a Restricted Land Mobile Certificate (RLMC).
Yes, annual renewal is required. It involves submission of properly accomplished application forms, presentation of original Radio Station Licenses, an existing Memorandum of Agreement with agencies, and reports or proofs of civic action activities.
Allocated bands include: within the 400 MHz band (simplex at 429.5 to 429.725 MHz and duplex TX at 422.5 to 422.6 MHz with RX at 427.5 to 427.6 MHz); within the 200 MHz band (simplex at 216.525 to 216.75 MHz and duplex TX at 220.525 to 220.625 MHz with RX at 223.525 to 223.625 MHz); and within VHF mid-band simplex at 146.025 to 146.375 MHz.
Yes, only commercially type-accepted/approved radio equipment is allowed. However, grandfathering permits mobile and portable amateur type equipment registered before the circular's promulgation for three years until December 31, 1995. After this period, use of such equipment is prohibited.
Only one network is allowed per civic organization. The same network may be reused in areas outside the authorized coverage upon proper application. Generally, only one base station is allowed per 25-kilometer radius service area.
This circular takes effect immediately upon promulgation and supersedes or amends any previous Order, Circular, or Memorandum inconsistent with its provisions.