Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-08-2005)
VoIP is classified as a Value Added Service (VAS) within the contemplation of Republic Act No. 7925, also known as The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines.
They must register themselves as VoIP providers with the National Telecommunications Commission prior to operation.
No, they are allowed to offer VoIP without further registration, provided that their VoIP operations are not cross-subsidized from utility operations, they do not discriminate rates, and maintain separate books of accounts for VoIP.
Section 11 of RA 7925 provides that VAS providers need not secure a franchise as long as they do not put up their own network.
VAS are defined as enhanced services beyond those ordinarily provided by local exchange and inter-exchange operators, and overseas carriers through circuit switched networks.
A PTE refers to any person, firm, partnership or corporation, government or private, engaged in the provision of telecommunications services to the public for compensation.
VAS providers offering VoIP services requiring access to network provider facilities must enter into agreements on fair and reasonable access and interconnection charges. The NTC may intervene to direct interconnection if negotiations fail.
Network providers must ensure equal access in terms of quantity, quality, and price for substantially similar services, and must not discriminate between VAS providers.
No, ISPs and network providers shall not impede or degrade access to content or applications of other providers unless such access threatens network integrity.
The sale, lease, importation, distribution, and provision of such VoIP equipment and software are allowed under existing rules governing customer premises equipment (CPE).
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon submission of three certified true copies to the University of the Philippines Law Center.
It ensures transparency that VoIP offerings are not cross-subsidized from the proceeds of their utility operations as mandated by RA 7925.