Promotion of Competitive Telecommunications Environment
- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is tasked with promoting and sustaining a healthy, competitive telecommunications environment.
- The growth and development of telecommunications networks and services are mandated priorities under RA 7925.
Government's Role in Spectrum Allocation
- The government is responsible for allocating radio spectrum licenses to service providers to satisfy public demand for telecommunication services.
- This allocation supports the expansion of ICT throughout the Philippines.
Importance of ICT Access and Wireless Technology
- ICT connectivity, development of ICT facilities, services, and skills are crucial for economic efficiency, societal welfare, and equitable information access.
- Wireless access technology is recognized as an effective solution to deliver ICT in developing, remote, marginalized, and hard-to-reach areas, avoiding the digital divide.
- Advances in wireless technologies provide high-speed portable and mobile connectivity which contributes to bridging the digital gap.
Alignment with International ICT Objectives
- The Philippines, as a signatory of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plan of Action, aligns its policies to increase connectivity in underserved, remote, and sparsely populated areas.
Spectrum Band Re-Allocation for Broadband Wireless Access
- The NTC reallocates specific frequency bands for broadband wireless access aimed at fixed, nomadic, and mobile networks:
- 450 - 470 MHz
- 1900 - 1910 MHz
- 1980 - 1990 MHz
- 2400 - 2483 MHz
- 2500 - 2700 MHz
- 3400 - 3600 MHz
- 5150 - 5350 MHz
- 5470 - 5850 MHz
- 10150 - 10650 MHz
Regulation of Transfer of Existing Operators
- Transfers or assignments of radio stations operating within the stated frequency bands must comply with Rule 603 of MC 3-3-96.
Repealing Clause
- Any prior circulars, memoranda, or orders inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are considered amended or superseded.
Effectivity of the Circular
- The Circular takes effect fifteen (15) days post-publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Three certified copies must be furnished to the UP Law Center.
Signatories
- The Circular is signed by Commissioner Ronald Olivar Solis and Deputy Commissioners Jorge V. Sarmiento and Jaime M. Fortes, Jr., dated August 23, 2005.