Policy and core regulatory intent
- The NTC regulates TVRO operations through licensing and registration requirements imposed on TVRO stations in the Philippines.
- The NTC authorizes only equipment that are type approved/type accepted by the Commission.
- The NTC links compliance to public protection through dealer/supplier/manufacturer/service center accreditation.
- The NTC ensures operational compliance by reserving inspection powers and allowing suspension or revocation for violations.
Definitions and classification of TVRO stations
- A Satellite Television Receive Only (TVRO) station is a station where sound and video signals are received directly from a satellite.
- A Non-Commercial TVRO (NC-TVRO) Station includes:
- A TVRO station intended for personal receiving only by an individual and his immediate family members;
- A TVRO station operated by government agencies, instrumentalities or offices, provided no fees are charged or collected from the public; and
- A TVRO station owned/operated by foreign government, entities, UN agencies, with use limited to their premises only.
- A Commercial TVRO (C-TVRO) Station is a TVRO station intended for operation for monetary or material gain.
- A Registration Certificate is a certificate issued by the NTC authorizing the holder to operate a TVRO station.
- A TVRO Station License is a written authority issued by the NTC to authorize a holder to operate a commercial TVRO station during the period stated in the authorization.
Scope of operations and NTC control
- Non-Commercial TVRO stations must operate only with a Registration Certificate from the NTC.
- Commercial TVRO stations must operate only with a TVRO station license.
- The NTC must register only equipment that are type approved/type accepted by the Commission.
- TVRO stations’ use of received program materials is subject to existing domestic and international copyright laws applicable thereto.
- Dealers, suppliers, manufacturers, and service centers of TVRO equipment are covered by the NTC accreditation regime.
Dealer, supplier, manufacturer, service center accreditation
- The NTC accredits dealers, suppliers and manufacturers, and service centers of TVRO equipment to protect the public.
- Accreditation is done in accordance with MC 2-05-88 and all laws, rules and regulations.
Registration and licensing procedures
- Applicants must apply for a Registration Certificate/License by completing the forms provided for the purpose.
- Applicants may apply to the Commission (NTC) or any of its Regional Office.
- Registration certificate and license holders must comply with all applicable rules and regulations covering technical programming and other requirements and conditions that the Commission imposes.
Posting requirement for authority documents
- TVRO station operators must post the Registration Certificate or TVRO station license on a conspicuous place near the premise of the TVRO station.
Fees, license renewal, and payment requirements
- A one-time registration fee of PHP 5,000.00 must be paid by both non-commercial and commercial TVRO stations.
- A commercial TVRO must pay an annual license fee of PHP 2,000.00.
- A commercial TVRO license may be renewed by filing an application 60 days prior to the expiry date of the license.
Inspections, investigations, and remedies for violations
- The NTC reserves the right to conduct inspections/investigations of TVRO stations during reasonable hours of the day.
- The NTC reserves the right to suspend or revoke a registration certificate of any TVRO station found in violation of the NTC rules and regulations.
Sanctions, fines, and closure consequences
- A TVRO station found operating in violation of any laws, NTC rules and regulations, or operating without a valid Registration Certificate and/or TVRO station license must be closed, suspended, removed, or rendered non-operational.
- Persons, firms, corporations, or associations that violate any provision of the Circular or any provision of the Radio Laws and Regulations (local and international) are subject to fines in addition to the above sanctions:
- Not more than PHP 2,000 for individuals; and
- Not more than PHP 5,000 for company or corporation.
- The NTC may revise or amend the Circular as need arises in the interest of the public service.