The National Telecommunications Communication (NTC) has mandated the shutdown of analog television service in 12 months, which will initially commence in Mega Manila.
This is part of the broader transition to digital broadcast service. The shift is meant to offer better viewing experience, improve signal reception and provide more program choices for viewers.
In a memorandum circular entitled ‘Guidelines for the Switch-Off of the Analogue TV Service in Mega Manila,’ NTC has set a 12-month timeline for broadcasters to fully shut off their analog TV networks. This is unless an extension is decided.
The regulator noted that TV networks assigned in the VHF (very high frequency) band have been providing simultaneous broadcasts of analog and digital TV services for more than eight years now.
Minority affected
NTC estimated that 80 percent of television households in Mega Manila are now receiving digital TV broadcasts. This indicates that most viewers ‘no longer rely on analog TV reception.’
The new circular said that the guidelines, which the NTC had signed on Nov. 6, would become effective 15 days upon publication. This means that NTC targets full transition to digital TV by November 2026.
But in consideration of some households that still rely on analog TV, the government will grant a 60-day countdown and public announcements prior to the actual shutdown.
The new ruling will cover cities of the National Capital Region, along with provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga and Bataan.