Authorization and Eligibility for Civic Action Radio Network
- Civic action organizations must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Minimum of fifty (50) bona fide active members of good standing required.
- Application for Permit to Operate submitted to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Application Requirements
- SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, and By-Laws (authenticated copy).
- Certified list of members, Board of Directors, and Officers for the current year.
- Letter of intent detailing technical specifications and network diagram endorsed by a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer.
- Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with any government or non-government agency where civic assistance is rendered.
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance for all bona fide members secured within three months prior to application.
Permits, Licenses, and Operator Certificates
- No installation, operation, or maintenance of radio stations without:
- Permit to Purchase (prior to acquisition of equipment).
- Construction Permit (before construction or installation of base stations).
- Radio Station License (before station operation).
- Appropriate Radio Operator’s Certificate for each station.
- Operator certificate requirements:
- Base station operators: at least a Second Class Radio Telephone Operator Certificate.
- Mobile/portable station operators: at least a Restricted Land Mobile Certificate.
Renewal and Compliance
- Annual renewal of radio station license mandatory.
- Renewal requires:
- Application form and original license.
- Existing MOA with government/non-government agencies.
- Report or proof of civic action activities.
- NTC reserves the right to deny applications failing to meet civic action group criteria.
Technical Provisions and Frequency Allocation
- Allocated Frequency Bands:
- 400 MHz band: Simplex (429.500 - 429.725 MHz), Duplex (TX: 422.500 - 422.600 MHz, RX: 427.500 - 427.600 MHz).
- 200 MHz band: Simplex (216.525 - 216.750 MHz), Duplex (TX: 220.525 - 220.625 MHz, RX: 223.525 - 223.625 MHz).
- VHF mid-band: Simplex only (146.025 - 146.375 MHz).
- Frequency assignments based strictly on sharing and non-interference basis after technical study by NTC.
Equipment Standards and Operation
- Only commercially type-accepted/approved radio equipment permitted.
- Existing grandfathered amateur-type equipment allowed up to December 31, 1995, with mandatory upgrade thereafter.
- VHF mid-band operations limited to simplex mode.
- Commercial service stations currently operating on allocated bands to be relocated within 3 years after circular approval.
Network and Station Limits
- Only one radio network per civic organization allowed.
- Network reuse possible in areas outside authorized coverage area upon proper application.
- Generally, one base station per 25 km radius service area is permitted.
Effectivity and Supersession
- Circular takes effect immediately upon promulgation.
- Supersedes or amends any inconsistent existing orders, circulars, or memoranda.