Frequently Asked Questions
In this section you can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions at the NTC. Questions are grouped according to categories. Please select from any of the categories to proceed to the specific topic you are interested.
Telecommunications
1. What is required in order to operate and maintain public telecommunications facilities and services in the Philippines?
Answer:
A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or authorization predicted on a valid congressional franchise is required before an entity is allowed to install, operate and maintain public telecommunications facilities and services in the country.
2. How does one obtain a CPCN?
Answer:
To obtain a CPCN, an applicant has to file an application with the National Telecommunications Commissions Commission (NTC), pay the required filing fee, and after which, the application will be assigned a case number. A Notice of Hearing is published in a newspaper of general circulation. The application undergoes public hearings, is evaluated and an Order/Decision is issued granting the CPCN or Provisional Authority (PA).
3. Is there a limit of foreign ownership for companies intending to apply for CPCN or authorization?
Answer:
Foreign ownership is limited to 40%.
Licensing
1. Where can I file my application for NTC examination?
Answer:
Applications for examination may be filed at the following offices/addresses:
- NTC Central Office NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone Number – (02) 924-25-95
- Any of the Regional Offices
2. What is the schedule of NTC examination in Manila? How much is the examination fee?
Answer:
The NTC examination is scheduled every Friday, unless it is declared a holiday. The examination fee is PHP50.00.
3. Where is the NTC examination conducted?
Answer:
The NTC examination is conducted at the NTC Office, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City, unless there is a new venue, which will be determined by the Radio Operator Examination Committee (ROEC). The new venue will be announced two (2) weeks earlier than the scheduled date of examination.
4. Where can I file my Radio Operator Certificate?
Answer:
Applications for examination may be filed at the following offices/addresses:
- NTC Central Office NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone Number – (02) 924-25-95
- Any of the Regional Offices
5. What are the documents being issued by NTC for ships intended for international trade?
Answer:
- Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (CSSRC)
- Ship Radio Station License (RSL)
- Ship Earth Station License (SES)
- Special Permit for Domestic Vessels to Engage Temporarily in International Trade
6. What are the requirements for the issuance of New Radio Station License (RSL) on board vessel engaged in the international trade?
Answer:
- Application for Permit to Purchase/Possess;
- Application for New Radio Station License;
- Authenticated Copy of Latest Issued Temporary Permit;
- NTC Survey Report Form properly accomplished by NTC authorized Classification society and properly signed by any authorized representative of the Philippine Consulate at place of survey or by the Master of the vessel countersigned by the President/Manager of the Company
- Authenticated copy of the Certificate of Philippine Registry;
- Accounting Authority Service Contract entered into by despondent Owner and SGV and Company;
- Valid General Operators Certificates of two (2) deck officers.
- Contract of Employment of deck officers issued by POEA/Certificate of Employment issued by Shipping Company
- Copy of valid Shore-based Maintenance Agreement
Miscellaneous
1. What is Interconnection?
Answer:
Interconnection, as defined by Republic Act 7925 is the linkage, by wire, radio, satellite or other means, of two or more existing telecommunications carriers or operators with one another for the purpose of allowing or enabling the subscribers of one carrier or operator to access or reach the subscribers of the other carriers or operators.
2. Is voice over internet allowed by the NTC?
Answer:
It is not prohibited. However, it should follow rules on voice service. Please contact the NTC for further clarification.
3. What is convergence?
Answer:
The November 2000 Report: Incremental Change or step Function Gain? Positioning the Philippines’ Communications sector in the Emerging WTO Environment by Cutler and Company defines convergence as; the progressive integration of the value chains of the information and content industries- telecommunications, posts multimedia, electronic commerce, broadcasting, information technology, and publishing industries into a single value chain based on the common use of distributed