Consultative Document on

Digital Terrestrial Television (DT-T)

(01 September 2006)


I. Background

The transition from analog television to digital TV broadcasting is expected
to generate as much interest and excitement as when black and white TV
transmission was converted to full color transmission more than fifty (50) years
ago. In addition to a much improved picture quality and higher resolution, digital
television technology has the capability to transmit more than one (1) program
(multiple-programming) over the same channel bandwidth that its analog
counterpart presently carries. And with digitalization, enhanced or value-added
services such as EPG (electronic program guide), weather and traffic data,
among others, can now be provided together with the normal TV broadcast
signal and/or program.

In various parts of the world, a number of Administrations have
commenced the delivery of digital television broadcasting in their respective
jurisdictions. In the United States of America (USA), South Korea, and other
countries, the ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) has been
adopted as the platform for the delivery of digital TV service. In Europe and in a
number of Asian countries, the Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) system is now
deployed and is currently providing multiple-program digital TV broadcast service
to their televiewers. Japan has likewise developed and implemented its own
ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast) system for its digital TV. The
Chinese have also designed their own standard, the DMB, for its digital TV
system.


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Transportation and Communications
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City
In countries where analog television is still in operation, a number of these
countries have already identified, at the very least, the platform upon which their
respective digital TV service shall be launched.

With these developments in the global arena, it is now timely and
appropriate for the Philippines to prepare for the entry of digital TV broadcast
service in the country. With several standards and systems now developed, an
assessment of these platforms is in order, with the end in view of identifying a
standard or a system most suitable for the country. And with the anticipated
regulatory and policy implications on the introduction of the digital TV service, the
need to comprehensively address the issues and challenges associated with this
new broadcast service becomes all the more necessary.

In order to keep abreast with these developments, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued Office Order 05-01-2006
creating a Technical Working Group (TWG). This TWG was tasked to
recommend the standards and operational guidelines for our eventual migration
to digital terrestrial TV. Its composition include members from the network
operators and industry associations, such as the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster
sa Pilipinas (KBP). The TWG has completed its work and has submitted a report
for the consideration of the Commission. However, the Commission, at this time,
feels that it should reach out to a much broader-based consultation in its
contemplated move to establish guidelines and standards for digital terrestrial TV
(DT-T). Hence, this Consultative Document.

II. Questions and Issues for Comment

This Section identifies the policy, legal, technical and other questions and
issues for which the Commission must seek input and comments from all
interested parties and stakeholders, and thus provide the Commission with the
technical and regulatory guidance for the inevitable entry of digital TV
broadcasting in the country.

A. Legal and Policy Issues

1. Should the NTC issue rules and/or guidelines for digital terrestrial
TV (DT-T)? Why or why not? What substantive or technical
considerations should such rules and/or guidelines cover?

2. Should existing analog TV operators be allowed to operate digital
TV system without having to secure each a separate authorization
from the Commission?

3. If and when digital terrestrial TV (DT-T) is introduced in this country,
would there be a need to require the termination of all analog TV
transmissions? If so, in what year should the NTC terminate or stop
all analog TV transmissions in the country? What considerations
should the Commission take into account in determining this cut-off
date?

4. With the introduction of DT-T, will the Commission continue to
accept applications for analog television? If not, when should the
NTC cease granting approvals of analog TV applications?

B. Technical Issues

1. What digital terrestrial TV standard should the Philippines adopt?
2. What technical and substantive considerations should the NTC
take into account in determining the standard to be adopted for
digital TV?
3. What are the ideal or preferred frequency bands for digital
terrestrial TV?

C. Other Issues

1. Should the network operators be left to determine whether to
transmit in high-definition TV (HDTV) or standard definition TV
(SDTV) format?

2. Do you agree with the following statements? Please comment

?? The capability for mobile reception is an important factor which
digital terrestrial TV must address.

?? In the delivery of digital TV service, High Definition television
(HDTV) is best suited for the Philippine market as compared to
standard definition TV (SDTV).

III. Inputs and Comments

The Commission wishes to emphasize that comments on this Consultative
Document need not be limited to the questions posed above, and all interested
parties are invited and encouraged to submit other views or comments which
they believe are relevant to this effort.

The Commission requests that submissions be made in both hard and soft
copies, and addressed to :

Ronald Olivar Solis
Commissioner
National Telecommunication Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : commissioner@ntc.gov.ph


Jorge V. Sarmiento
Deputy Commissioner
National Telecommunications Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : depcom2@ntc.gov.ph


Jaime M. Fortes, Jr.
Deputy Commissioner
National Telecommunications Commission
BIR Rd., East Triangle
Diliman, Quezon City
E-mail : depcom1@ntc.gov.ph


Responses to this Consultative Document should be submitted to the
above Offices on or before 5:00 p.m. of 29 September 2006.

The Commission reserves the right to issue another consultative
document or come out with additional questions or issues in the interim, as part
of its administrative rule-making process.

Finally, the Commission intends to publish all comments that it receives in
response to this consultative document, unless otherwise advised by the
concerned respondent. Therefore, submissions, or any part thereof, which are
considered by the respondent as confidential in nature should be marked
accordingly.

Thank you and we look forward to the continued participation and support
of all concerned in this very critical and important effort in charting and shaping
the future of Philippine television.


RONALD OLIVAR SOLIS
Commissioner



JORGE V. SARMIENTO JAIME M. FORTES, JR
Deputy Commissioner Deputy commissioner