Key Definitions
- Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB): Digital TV service via aerial antenna, providing multiple SDTV/HDTV channels
- ISDB-T: Transmission standard with hierarchical modulation supporting fixed, mobile, and handheld devices plus Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS)
- SDTV and HDTV: TV systems with resolutions of 480 lines and above 480 lines, respectively
- Single Frequency Network (SFN): Multiple transmitters broadcasting same signal on one frequency
- EWBS: System to alert public of emergencies via sound and data on receivers
- Analog Shut-Off (ASO): Official date for terminating all analog broadcasts
- Other terms include Data Broadcasting, One Seg for portable devices, Broadcast Markup Language (BML)
Adoption of ISDB-T Standard and Service Provisions
- ISDB-T is the sole digital transmission standard
- Provision of DTTB services allowed upon IRR effectivity
- Analog VHF services to continue until further NTC order
- Authorized analog VHF operators must simulcast DTTB with analog within one year of authority grant
- UHF operators may convert or simulcast digital service within transition period
- Minimum reception signal strength of 51 dBµV/m required
- Service providers may select single/multi-program HDTV or SDTV formats but changes require NTC approval
- Encouragement of HD and additional programming services
Frequency Use and Coverage
- Frequencies from 512-698 MHz (UHF Channels 21-51) allocated for DTTB
- Each DTTB service assigned a 6 MHz bandwidth
- Single Frequency Network allowed when feasible
- Frequencies to be equitably assigned, with priority to VHF operators
- Migration guided by a Transition Plan developed with industry consultation
- Transition Plan defines frequency assignments, application schedules, and construction periods
Qualification and Application Procedures
- Applicants must hold a valid Congressional Franchise
- Existing analog operators, pending analog petitioners, and new entrants eligible
- Existing analog operators must file manifest to show intent to convert within 60 days
- Pending analog petitions may be amended to DTTB petitions; failure to do so within 180 days results in dismissal
- New DTTB petitions require proof of legal, technical, financial qualifications and provision of at least one free-to-air program
- Separate petitions required for each service area
- No new analog TV authorizations accepted post-IRR effectivity
Analog to Digital Transition
- Analog TV services to terminate on ASO date per approved Migration Plan
- No analog service post-ASO
- ASO to be reviewed five years after DSO to assess transition success
- DSO is effective date of IRR
- Transition period from DSO to ASO
Equipment Labeling Requirements
- Manufacturers/importers must label TV sets and set-top boxes (STB) based on ISDB-T compatibility
- Labels: ISDB-T ready STB/TV, Non-ISDB-T ready STB, Analog TV
Additional Provisions
- Philippine-specific DTTB technical standards attached as Annex
- Government to issue comprehensive Migration Plan covering policy, regulatory, technical, fiscal, and consumer support aspects
- NTC to issue further rules aligned with Migration Plan
Repealing and Effectivity Clauses
- All inconsistent prior issuances amended or superseded
- Circular effective 15 days post-publication and filing with UP Law Center
This comprehensive framework governs digital TV's introduction, ensuring orderly migration, fair competition, service quality, public safety via emergency alerts, and consumer protection through clear device labeling.