Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-11-2013)
The NTC is vested with the power to establish and prescribe rules, regulations, standards, and specifications related to the issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience for the operation of communication utilities and services, administer and enforce these rules, promulgate regulations for public safety and interest, encourage efficient use of communication and broadcasting facilities and spectrum, and maintain effective competition among private entities.
Commonwealth Act No. 146 (Public Service Act), as amended, gives the NTC the power to fix just and reasonable standards, classifications, regulations, practices, measurements, or services to be followed by any public service.
To keep pace with technological developments, ensure the competitiveness of the broadcast industry, and provide enhanced services to better serve the viewing public.
The Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard has been adopted as the sole standard for DTT services in the country.
DTT is defined as an implementation of digital technology in television service intended to provide a greater number of standard definition TV channels and/or better quality picture and sound through a conventional aerial antenna instead of satellite or cable.
ISDB-T is a flexible DTV transmission system capable of providing three levels of hierarchical modulation to carry audio, video, and data services to fixed, mobile, and handheld terminals using a single transmission facility with an integrated Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS).
The TWG guides the Commission in re-evaluating the most appropriate DTT standard and assists in drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and Frequency Planning for DTT implementation.
Any previous Circular, Order, or Memorandum or parts thereof inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are deemed superseded and/or amended accordingly.
This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after furnishing three certified true copies to the UP Law Center.
EWBS is integrated into ISDB-T to provide emergency warnings, enhancing public safety by delivering critical information through the digital television broadcast system.