Access to International Mobile Satellite Systems
- Public telecommunications carriers authorized for international maritime, aeronautical, and land mobile services may be granted direct access by the Commission.
- Government entities, private individuals, and private companies or corporations may also be allowed access.
- Leasing or renting of transponder space must be conducted through franchised and certificated public telecommunications carriers.
Regulations on International Satellite News Gathering (SNG)
- Foreign news organizations may be issued Special Permits to operate their own SNG earth stations for up to 15 days.
- Reciprocity is required: the foreign news media’s home country must allow similar privileges to Philippine media.
- One extension of not more than 15 days may be granted on meritorious grounds.
- Special cases without reciprocity require clearances from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Commission approval.
- Special Permits require payment of fees; extensions also require fees.
Permits and Licensing of Earth Stations
- Enfranchised international public telecommunications carriers must secure permits and licenses to install, operate, and maintain earth stations.
- Earth stations must comply with technical and operational standards set by INTELSAT, INMARSAT, or relevant satellite organizations and the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunications Standards Bureau.
- All earth stations, including fixed and mobile, require licensing by the Commission.
- Satellite broadcast service providers and other authorized entities must similarly apply for proper permits and licenses.
- Ownership, operation, and maintenance of mobile earth stations by government or private entities are subject to permit and license application.
- Foreign-owned international mobile satellite earth stations may operate in the Philippines upon presentation of validated certification from countries with reciprocal agreements.
- Other foreign earth stations require prior authorization and registration on a case-by-case basis.
Fees and Charges Related to Satellite Communications
- Filing Fee: PHP 150.00
- Permit to Purchase (per station): PHP 300.00
- Permit to Possess: PHP 300.00
- Construction Permit: PHP 1,000.00
- Inspection Fee (per year): PHP 1,000.00
- Radio Station License (Mobile/Land Mobile): PHP 1,200.00 per year
- Radio Station License (Fixed): PHP 100,000.00 multiplied by the number of transponders (N) per year
- Special Permit for SNG: PHP 200,000.00
- Extension of Special Permit for SNG: PHP 100,000.00
- Definition of "N" (number of transponders): e.g., 0.25 for quarter transponder, 0.5 for half transponder, 1 for one transponder, etc.
Final Provisions and Enforcement
- Authorizations and approvals must comply with existing Philippine laws and international treaties or agreements.
- The Commission retains the discretion to amend, revise, or modify permits and licenses in the public interest.
- Violations of any provisions will be dealt with according to law.
- Previous inconsistent orders, rules, and circulars are repealed or amended accordingly.
- The memorandum circular becomes effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper, and certified copies must be filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center.