Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines

Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines began in 2015 with the implementation of ISDB-T, currently coexisting with analog television that operates on the NTSC standard after the set analog switch-off (ASO) deadline encountered multiple postponements.

Color television made its debut in the Philippines in November 1966, marking the initiation of the country's adherence to the American NTSC standard for analog television. However, significant changes were introduced in June 2010 when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) declared the adoption of ISDB-T International as the digital terrestrial television (DTT) service standard. This enhanced version of the Japanese ISDB-T aimed to enhance broadcasting capabilities. In response to this shift, a circular was issued by the NTC, directing broadcasters to discontinue analog services by December 31, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time, UTC+8). Delays in releasing the implementing rules and regulations for DTT broadcast prompted the initial postponement of the transition deadline to 2019, and later to 2023.^[1][2][3][4] However, on January 15, 2024, the NTC announced that preparations for the transition are now underway, with the expectation of completion by the end of 2024.^[5][6][7][8] The commission's plan involves utilizing ultra-high frequency television channels 14 to 51 (470-698 MHz) for establishing the DTT service, thereby freeing up channels 14 to 20 (470-512 MHz) currently allocated for fixed and mobile services.^[9] Notably, before this announcement, several broadcasters conducted trial broadcasts using the European DVB-T standard.

The groundwork for transitioning to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) began with the issuance of Executive Order 546, series of 1979, and Republic Act 3846, also known as the Radio Control Law. Amended by the local governing body for broadcast services, the NTC embraced this order to establish rules and regulations facilitating the introduction of digital broadcast services in the Philippines. This initiative included the implementation of a specific standard for the delivery of DTT services. Following this, two technical working groups were formed to guide the governing body in selecting appropriate DTT standards. In response to the recommendations of investors in the broadcast business, including the local broadcasters' group, the Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines, and the NTC, a Memorandum Circular was issued in June 2010, and implemented on June 11, 2010, outlining the standard for digital terrestrial television.^[10]

Implementation

Digital terrestrial television broadcasting systems by country. While the NTC has selected ISDB-Tb as its DTV standard, DVB-T2 evaluated as an alternate option.

Since the early 2000s, research has been conducted to explore the digital television transition in the country. An observational approach, commonly referred to as a "wait and see" strategy, has been adopted to assess progress without a definitive decision on the implementation of digital television services in the Philippines.^[11] In a Memorandum Circular dated June 2, 2010, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) selected the Brazilian standard ISDB-Tb for digital television in the country. This decision was based on its capacity to provide three levels of categorized modulation (audio, video, and data services) to fixed, portable, and handheld devices, eliminating the need for additional communication infrastructure.^[12]

In the preliminary version of the NTC's proposed regulations for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), broadcasting companies intending to offer DTT services must hold a congressional broadcast franchise. They should also operate at least 15 television stations across the Philippines, possess a minimum paid-up capital of ₱1 billion, and be accessible locally in 10 regions. For broadcasting companies falling short of the required number of television stations and local accessibility, the minimum paid-up capital would be ₱1.2 billion. New applicants without an existing broadcast station would need ₱1.5 billion in paid-up capital.

Those broadcasting companies intending to provide digital broadcast services locally must obtain a congressional franchise and have a minimum of ₱60 million per Digital Terrestrial Television station. Aligning with the commission's vision, the integration of digital technology into broadcasting services is envisioned to enhance the efficiency of the broadcast industry, offering improved services to end-users. The draft proposal, as an embodiment of digital technology in television broadcasting, aims to provide a greater number of channels, enhanced screen resolution, and stereo sound through a conventional aerial antenna, eliminating the need for satellite or cable TV services.

Initially, the commission embraced the European standard DVB-T for digital broadcasting. Broadcast providers opt for either the high-definition television format or its standard definition multiprogramming. According to the draft IRR, duly authorized broadcast providers with a congressional franchise are obligated to deliver analog television service and must transmit their existing analog television programs through their digital terrestrial television service. Digital broadcast providers intending to offer pay-per-view or restricted access must obtain additional permission from the commission. Supplementary services may be allowed, contingent on prevailing decrees, acts, and laws.

The draft rules explicitly state that the commission will continue processing new applications for analog television stations until December 31, 2008. However, it will no longer approve or authorize broadcasts beyond December 31, 2010. All certified digital broadcast providers are required to surrender their analog frequencies when their analog television broadcast transmission concludes by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2015. Nevertheless, the digitization deadline was initially postponed to 2019 in the last quarter of 2014 and was once again extended to the end of 2023.^{[1][2][3][4][13]}

On Monday, January 15, 2024, preparations are now in progress for the anticipated shutdown of analog television broadcasts and the transition to digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB), as announced by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). During a public briefing, Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco conveyed that active measures are being taken for the seamless integration, with certain TV networks facilitating the distribution of digital TV boxes to consumers. Blanco underscored, despite previous extensions, that the shutdown deadline remained unchanged and stressed the necessity to determine a suitable date for the shutdown as part of the ongoing preparation process.

According to the latest data from the NTC, fewer than a million households, constituting approximately 18%, in Mega Manila continue to utilize analog TV. In contrast, an estimated 82% to 83% of households have already made the transition to DTTB. Based on these developments, it is expected that all analog broadcasts will be terminated by the end of 2024 or by 2026.^[5][6][7]

Deployment

Main article: List of digital television stations in the Philippines

• ABS-CBN: ABS-CBN Corporation intended to spend 1 billion pesos on its transition to digital broadcasting. ABS-CBN announced on April 4, 2011, that it was prepared to launch five free "premium" channels on a DTT platform as soon as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) finalized its regulations on digital television. ABS-CBN's flagship used UHF channel 43 (647.143 MHz) for its ISDB-Tb transmission test; previously, the station used channel 51 (695.143 MHz) for test broadcasts using DVB-T. The initial test was conducted in areas of Valenzuela, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna. In November 2010, ABS-CBN began rolling out its digital broadcast in 17 cities in Metropolitan Manila as well as selected areas in Bulacan and Pampanga.^[14][15] However, in 2020, the NTC, at the advice of its then-Solicitor General Jose Calida, issued a total of three cease-and-desist orders against ABS-CBN Corporation (including UHF Channel 43 and all digital channels of ABS-CBN TV Plus) to stop broadcasting due to an expired franchise that lapsed on 4 May 2020.^[16][17] The company was also planning to move its SFN frequency to UHF channel 14 to be the first service to scan on DTT receivers, but it never happened and was eventually used instead by state-run People's Television Network, Inc. On January 25, 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission awarded the frequencies that were used by ABS-CBN before it shut to Villar-owned Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) for channel 16, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation for channel 23, and Sonshine Media Network International for channel 43.^[18]
• PTV: The state broadcaster People's Television Network, Inc. began DTT trials using ISDB-Tb in 2009 using channel 48 (677.143 MHz). In 2011, the Japanese government donated additional equipment to the network to improve its digital services. PTV 4 is also planning to operate an Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) using the digital platform. PTV later used channel 42 (641.143 MHz) frequency now moved to channel 14 (473.143 MHz).^[19][20]
• TV5: TV5 Network, Inc. (formerly known as ABC Development Corporation/Associated Broadcasting Company) has been using ISDB-Tb for its DTT trials via a simulcast of flagship DWET-TV through DWDZ-TV. TV5 was broadcast on two DTT channels as part of their test broadcast: channel 42 (641.143 MHz) from Nation Broadcasting Corporation and channel 51 (695.143 MHz) from the GV Broadcasting System. Currently, programs from TV5 (as well as its sister channels, One Sports and RPTV) are primarily broadcast on SFN-based channel 18 (497.143 MHz), a frequency assigned by the NTC, while remaining in simulcast on the other two existing frequencies.^[21][22]
• GMA: GMA Network, Inc. applied for a digital television license from the NTC to install and maintain transmitting stations that will be attuned with and utilized to offer digital terrestrial television and digital mobile TV broadcast services,^[23][24] using UHF channel 27. Areas planned for a temporary digital broadcast covered the cities of Quezon City,^[25] Makati, Pasig, Tagaytay, and Angeles City in Pampanga; as well as areas like Ortigas, Cavite, and Calumpit in Bulacan. GMA was vocal about the NTC's choice of the country's DTV standard; on March 27, 2011, a GMA executive proposed the use of the updated European standard DVB-T2 as opposed to ISDB-Tb due to its better quality. However, the NTC did not change its decision to use ISDB-Tb, to which the company complied a few years later.^[26][27][28] Currently, GMA's domestic channels are broadcasting via DTT on UHF channel 15 (479.143 MHz). The network started to broadcast on widescreen on February 27, 2023.^[29][30]
• NET25 and INCTV: Two broadcast companies religiously owned by the Iglesia ni Cristo, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation and Christian Era Broadcasting Service International, launched the first digital television station in the country, DZCE-TV channel 49 (683.143 MHz), then under the GEMNET brand, in 2007. Initially broadcasting in DVB-T, it shifted to using ISDB-Tb in 2009.^[31][32] However, following the launch of INCTV, digital transmissions were initially conducted during analog off-air periods from 12:00 AM – 4:00 AM. By September 5, 2017, the network was given a "special authority" by the NTC to transfer its analog broadcasts on UHF channel 48 to allow channel 49 to conduct its full-time digital simulcast. The stations uses the frequencies UHF Channel 28 (557.143 MHz) and UHF Channel 49 (683.143 MHz).
• BEAM: Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media, Inc., owned by a joint consortium led by Bethlehem Holdings, Inc., an investee of Globe Telecom Retirement Fund through its holding company HALO Holdings Inc. (which owns 39 percent of Altimax Broadcasting Company), applied for digital terrestrial broadcast but was still vocal to the DVB-T2 digital system. The station uses the frequency UHF Channel 31 (575.143 MHz).
• SEC: Solar Entertainment Corporation is testing its DTT using ISDB-T on UHF Channel 21 (515.143 MHz) after Channel 22 (521.143 MHz) and UHF Channel 30 (569.143 MHz) but the second frequency eventually moves to UHF Channel 22 (521.143 MHz) replacing the main/first one possibly operated by subsidiary SBN. Solar also operates free-to-air and exclusive DTT channels. In the first quarter of 2018, Solar launched its digital setup box called Easy TV, until it ceased on September 30, 2019.^[33]
• SMNI: Sonshine Media Network International conducted DTT test broadcast using ISDB-T on UHF Channel 40 (629.143 MHz). The station uses the frequencies UHF Channel 39 (623.143 MHz), UHF Channel 43 (647.143 MHz), and UHF Channel 44 (653.143 MHz) until December 21, 2023, when the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) suspended the network's operations for 30 days due to alleged violations of its broadcast franchise.^[34] On January 18, 2024, the NTC issued a cease-and-desist order against SMNI for violating its 30-day suspension order as its two stations in Region VI were operational as of December 27, 2023.^[35][36]
• Hope Channel Philippines and GNN: Gateway UHF Broadcasting and First United Broadcasting Corporation are conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 45 (659.143 MHz).
• RPN/Nine Media/RPTV: On January 28, 2016, the state-sequestered Radio Philippines Network and Private company Nine Media Corporation conducted a DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 19 (503.143 MHz).
• Light TV/ZOE TV: On March 1, 2017, ZOE Broadcasting Network made history in Philippine TV broadcasting as it switched to digital-only broadcasting, using DZOZ-DTV Channel 33 (587.143 MHz). Light Network was the first TV network in the country to fully abandon its analog transmissions and shift to digital television, as network engineers stated that they had been prepared for years to make the switch happen.^[37] The second frequency eventually used DZOE-DTV Channel 20 (509.143 MHz).
• IBC: In October 2017, despite its impending privatization, the state-sequestered Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation managed to conduct DTT testing using ISDB-T on UHF Channel 26 (545.143 MHz). On March 18, 2022, the station had moved to UHF Channel 17 (491.143 MHz) frequency. The station moved to the old frequency temporarily, from March 21 to March 31, 2022.
• MBC/DZRH TV: Manila Broadcasting Company, the largest radio network in the Philippines, has started conducting its DTT broadcast in Cebu and Iloilo City using UHF channel 43 (647.143 MHz) and Bacolod City using UHF channel 39 (623.143 MHz).
• UNTV: Progressive Broadcasting Corporation, owned and operated by Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International is currently testing its ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 38 (617.143 MHz), and it can be viewed in Mega Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, and other nearby provinces. UNTV fully abandoned its analog transmissions and shifted to digital television on January 1, 2025.
• RJTV: On January 4, 2019, Rajah Broadcasting Network started its broadcasting on digital using UHF Channel 29 (563.143 MHz). RJTV is also the second TV network in the country to fully abandon its analog transmissions and shift to digital television.
• PRTV: In 2021, Philippine Collective Media Corporation started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 50 (689.143 MHz) in Tacloban. The latter launched its own digital TV box for the said area, marketed as "PRTV Tipidbox" partnered with RCA.
• Aliw Broadcasting/Aliw Channel 23: On May 6, 2022, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation started DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 23 (527.143 MHz).
• AMBS/All TV: On June 26, 2022, Advanced Media Broadcasting System started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 16 (485.143 MHz).
• CLTV 36: On September 10, 2023, Central Luzon Television owned by Radioworld Broadcasting Corporation started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 36 (605.143 MHz) and its test broadcast on October 16, 2023, and was officially launched on December 7, 2023.^{[citation needed]}
• Brigada News TV: Brigada Mass Media Corporation started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 37 (611.143 MHz) in General Santos. In February 2024, it launched its own digital set-top-box called Brigada DigiTV which is currently available in General Santos and surrounding areas.^[38][39]

Products

With the transition to digital broadcasting and the eventual shutdown of the analog transmission, digital signals can now be received either through newer television sets that have built-in capability to receive digital signals (ISDB-T ready), or through older analogue television sets that is paired with a set-top box.

The Philippines does not have a consistent branding on digital terrestrial television platforms unlike countries like Australia, with its Freeview, for example. Instead, various media companies have introduced their own related commercial products, such as set-top boxes, to support the change as well as to tap into new market opportunities.^[40][41]

Set-top box

While any ISDB-T ready television or set-top box such as Baron's digital receiver box can receive digital signals, various networks have rolled out set-top boxes that carry their brandings. ABS-CBN was the first company to commercially launch DTT, when they launched TV Plus on February 11, 2015.^[42] It also operated exclusive DTT channels (channels that other top box devices cannot receive) through an exclusive version of the Conditional Access System used by pay TV operators.^{[citation needed]}

Other branded set-top boxes includes Affordabox of GMA Network, launched in June 2020 and also offers an encrypted recording feature only for the network's existing subchannels, and Sulit TV of TV5 Network which was launched in September 2021.^[43][44]

There are also set-top box brands that had their limited launch in some regions. This includes Tipidbox of Philippine Collective Media Corporation in partnership with RCA in Tacloban that was launched in 2021, and DigiTV of Brigada News TV in General Santos and its surrounding areas, launched in February 2024.^[38][39]

The government, through the Presidential Communications Group, also has its own brand of set-top box called Bagong Pilipinas Digibox that is planned to be distributed to low-income families to help them transition to digital television. This government initiative was launched in January 2024, later than the launch of the commercial products.^[45][46][47]

Mobile phones and dongle

Another products that were marketed during the transitions were mobile phones and tablets that can receive digital signals such as Starmobile^[48][49][50], Cherry Mobile^[51], MyPhone^[52], Alcatel^[53], Samsung^[54], O-Plus^[55], and SKK Mobile^[56], as well as dongles which can be inserted to Android smartphones to receive digital signals like ABS-CBN's TV Plus Go and GMA's Now.

Developments

Early stages and initial plans

• July 2007. Television firms that plan to broadcast digital terrestrial television services to television and other communication devices cannot implement such as the commission revising its guidelines on digital television programming. However, the commission allows broadcast firms to test their systems while waiting for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The development comes in light with telecom company, Smart Communications Inc. through its MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. for its myTV service. The commission reiterates in the absence of IRR, the telecom company cannot charge the service being offered to its subscribers.^[57]
• June 2009. In formulating the transition from analog television broadcast to digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmission in the Philippines and to guide the commission in outlining the planned implementing rules and regulations for the enactment of DTT service, ultra-high frequency television channels 14 to 51 (470-698 MHz) will be assigned to the DTT Broadcast Service and deliberating further channels 14 to 20 (470-512 MHz) which is being used by Fixed and Mobile Service. On June 24, 2009, the local unit of the commission, the Frequency Management Division was assigned to formulate a frequency allocation plan for the effective transmission of appropriate users of channels 14 to 20.^[58]
• February 2010. The Philippines is anticipated to deferment its planned analog television signal automatic switch-off in 2015 due to technicalities in implementing an official digital terrestrial television platform. While other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations cooperatively accepted the digital video broadcasting-terrestrial or the DVB-T as its favored standard, the Philippines has not adopted any platform.^[11]

Adoption of international standard

• December 2010. The governments of Japan and the Philippines reached a collaboration decision in adopting a memorandum of cooperation resulting in the commission's earlier pronouncement to use Brazil's ISDB-Tb platform for digital terrestrial television broadcast standard for the Philippines. According to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, the Japanese government is keen on guiding its Filipino counterpart to the technology. The Philippine government also requested its counterpart to shoulder the cost of set-top boxes and also deliberating on rescheduling the compulsory switchover from analog transmission to digital broadcast from an earlier target.^[59]
• February 2011. The NTC plans to implement the digital terrestrial television service in select key cities in the Philippines in 2012. The governing body desires the transition to be implemented gradually. The technical working group has yet not classified where the transition will take place. Key cities in the Philippines are being considered but in the absence of implementing rules and regulations, the digital terrestrial television service may not be fully consummate to the viewing public. While the transition will be made progressively, broadcasting networks can still convey analog television service although DTT is being rationalized in other areas. Meanwhile, the commission set an 85 percent compliance rate before it considered terminating all analog signals for broadcast transmission.^[60][61]
• March 2011. The NTC asked to reevaluate the platform to be used for the Philippines digital television broadcast. The regulator is studying the possible implementation of a newer platform, the European second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T2) substituting the Brazilian ISDB-T International (ISDB-Tb) standard that the commission adopted earlier and was the basis of creating implementing rules and regulations for digital broadcast. Experts announced the DVB-T2 is superior to its Japanese counterpart. Broadcasting firm, GMA Network, Inc. conveyed its support to reevaluate its earlier decision to adopt the ISDB-T platform. The Commission adopted the ISDB-Tb primarily owing in terms of affordability.^[26]
• April 2011. One of the Philippines broadcasting firms, ABS-CBN Corporation, criticized the NTC for conveying varied indications on the Philippines' official stand on digital television standards. The firm panned the commission on its incompetence in supporting its initial pronouncement to implement the Brazilian digital television standard, the ISDB-T International (ISDB-Tb). In 2010, the commission officially led the digital television period in the Philippines and released a memorandum circular agreeing to the use of ISDB-Tb as the standard digital platform. But in recent developments, the commission is considering the European digital television platform, the European Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T). According to the commission, the European platform is superior to its Brazilian counterpart.^[62]
• May 2011. Television companies in the Philippines have supported the local governing body in reevaluating the digital television standard to be used, and the attempt to reconsider the advancement of the Brazilian technology (ISDB-Tb) over the newer version of the European digital television platform. Broadcasting companies initiated to delay the switchover provided the technology will be used is far more advanced than the initial digital standard adopted on June 11, 2010. TV5 agreed to do comparative tests with the European and Brazilian standards. The commission is simultaneously drafting the implementing rules and regulations for digital terrestrial television broadcasts under the Brazilian platform and reviewing the DVB-T2 European standard.^[63]
• August 2011. The NTC finalized its evaluation of the chosen standard for the digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast service in the Philippines. The commission adopted Brazil's Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão Digital (ISDB-Tb) standards over its European counterpart, the Digital Video Broadcasting-Television (DVB-T2).^[64][65]
• October 2013. The NTC reconfirmed the recommendation to adopt the Brazilian Digital Television standard as the country's national TV standard after a public hearing.^[66]

Transition and implementation

• December 17, 2014. NTC released the draft implementing rules and regulations for the Philippines' transition to digital television.^[67]
• March 2016. The NTC holds public consultations regarding the migration plan to digital television. It envisions the Philippines to go "fully migrated to digital TV" in three to five years (2019–2021).^[68]
• February 2017. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) officially started the switchover from Analog to Digital. DICT also moves the schedule for the total shut-off of analog TV services to the year 2023.^[1][2]
• February 2018. NTC released the implementing rules and regulations on the re-allocation of the UHF Channels 14–20 (470–512 Megahertz (MHz) band) for digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) service. All operating and duly authorized Mega Manila VHF (very high frequency) television networks are entitled to a channel assignment from Channels 14 to 20.^[69][70]
• January 2024. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) revealed that active preparations are now underway for the planned shift from analog television to digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB). The transition is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 or by 2026.^{[5][6][7][71]}
• November 4, 2024. The NTC announced plans to commence analog switch-off on December 31, starting in the Mega Manila area.^[72]
• December 2024. NTC finalizes the rules for the implementation of the analog shutdown which will initially start in the Mega Manila area. Release of draft memorandum circular (MC) for public hearing will be in January 2025. Analog shutdown will commence in the Mega Manila area within 2025 and will be expected for the rest of the country to follow suit by 2026.^[73]

See also

• Digital television transition
• Television in the Philippines
• List of digital television stations in the Philippines