Subscriber Rights and Service Standards Under NTC Memorandum Circulars
- NTC MC No. 05-06-2007 Section 2.4 mandates that subscribers can only be charged according to the agreed rates, terms, and conditions.
- Section 2.8 of the same MC requires that prepaid service subscribers must have free access to mechanisms allowing verification of their remaining balance.
- NTC MC No. 04-06-2007 obliges public telecom entities to retain call and related data records for voice and non-voice traffic.
Scope and Purpose of the Guidelines
- The guidelines aim to protect and promote the interests of prepaid telecommunications subscribers/end-users.
- Enacted pursuant to RA 7925 and Executive Order No. 546 (1979), these guidelines regulate the validity periods and usage conditions of prepaid loads.
Prepaid Load Validity Periods Based on Load Amount
- A graduated minimum validity or expiration period for prepaid loads is established, based on the value of the load purchased:
- PhP10.00 or lower: 3 days
- More than PhP10.00 to PhP50.00: 15 days
- More than PhP50.00 to PhP100.00: 30 days
- More than PhP100.00 to PhP150.00: 45 days
- More than PhP150.00 to PhP250.00: 60 days
- More than PhP250.00 to PhP300.00: 75 days
- More than PhP300.00: 120 days
Commencement and Extension of Validity Period
- The validity period starts upon receipt of confirmation of the prepaid load purchase.
- Telecommunications entities may voluntarily offer longer validity or expiry periods than the minimum required.
- Accumulation of Load Validity:
- Upon each new load purchase, the unused balance of prior loads (still valid) is added to the new load.
- The new validity period depends on the combined total of new and unused load according to the standard period schedule.
- For example, if a subscriber has an unused load of PhP2.00 and purchases a PhP10.00 load, the validity period will be fifteen (15) days.
Access to Balance Inquiry Services
- Subscribers must have free access to balance inquiry services via text messages.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Violations of these guidelines may result in fines and other penalties as provided by law.
Repeal and Amendment of Inconsistent Rules
- Any previous circulars, orders, or memoranda inconsistent with these guidelines are considered repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity and Implementation
- The circular becomes effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Certified true copies must be furnished to the University of the Philippines Law Center.
Signatories and Adoption
- Adopted on July 3, 2009, signed by Commissioner Ruel V. Canobas and Deputy Commissioners Jaime M. Fortes, Jr. and Douglas Michael N. Mallillin.