NTC sees delay in release of guidelines for digital TV

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) sees a slight delay in the release of the guidelines on the impending shift to digital terrestrial television using the Japanese technology.

NTC deputy commissioner Carlo Jose Martinez expects the implementing rules and regulations for the shift to digital terrestrial TV using the Japanese technology could be issued early in the second half instead of the first half of the year.

“There are issues including frequency allocation and channel planning that is why we have to move it. Hopefully, we can have it out in July,” Martinez said.

He pointed out that the Japanese government is helping the NTC resolve the remaining issues delaying the release of the guidelines on the shift to digital terrestrial TV using the Japanese technology.

Martinez said broadcast companies need to shift to the 6 megahertz frequency to shift to the digital terrestrial TV using the Japanese technology.

However, he explained that the slots available under the said frequency are not enough to accommodate all the 30 broadcast companies.

 â€œThe frequency available is not enough to accommodate all the broadcasters specially in the National Capital Region so we are now finalizing the qualifications,” he added.

Last November, NTC issued the memorandum circular for “Standard for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcast Service” as President Aquino announced the shift to digital TV using the Japanese standard after reaching an agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Asean Meeting in Brunei in October.

Earlier, NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the adoption of Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial or ISDB-T standard is expected to be completed either late the first quarter or early second quarter of the year.

NTC together with government agencies including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as well as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are finalizing the guidelines in consultation with various industry stakeholders.

Digital television is an innovative transmitting technology transforming television-viewing experience through better picture and sound quality.

The agency is coordinating with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP), broadcasting companies, cable TV providers, appliance dealers, among others.