Digital terrestrial television in the Philippines

Legislative background

The legislative groundwork for transitioning to DTT in the Philippines began with the issuance of Executive Order 546 in 1979, which established the NTC and gave it a range of powers over television broadcasting.^[3] In particular, the breadth of the terms of the Order enabled the NTC to establish rules and regulations for the introduction of digital broadcast services in the Philippines once such services became a possibility, including the implementation of a specific standard for the delivery of DTT services.^[4]

Research was conducted from the early 2000s to explore a digital television transition in the Philippines. An observational approach, commonly referred to as a "wait and see" strategy, was adopted to assess progress without a definitive decision on any implementation of digital television services.^[5] As a result, the NTC initially allowed broadcasting companies to use different standards for the delivery of DTT services. For example, some companies implemented the European standard DVB-T for digital broadcasting, giving them the ability to opt for either the high-definition television format or its standard-definition multiprogramming.

In July 2007, the NTC announced that broadcasters and telecommunications companies could not yet launch commercial DTT services because the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) were still being prepared. Draft IRRs from the NTC set out financial and operational requirements for companies seeking to offer DTT services in the Philippines: broadcasters were required to hold a congressional franchise; to have a minimum paid-up capital of ₱1 billion; to operate at least 15 television stations nationwide; and to be accessible in at least 10 regions. Companies with fewer stations or more limited regional coverage were required to show ₱1.2 billion in paid-up capital. New applicants without any existing broadcast stations were subject to a ₱1.5 billion requirement. In addition, each individual DTT station was required to meet a minimum capital threshold of ₱60 million. Companies were permitted to test their digital systems at this time but were not allowed to charge customers. This affected proposed services such as Smart Communications’ myTV, with the NTC stating that fees could not be collected until the IRRs were finalised.^[6]

Choosing a service standard

By June 2009, the NTC had begun planning the technical transition from analog to digital television. It designated ultra-high frequency (UHF) Channels 14 to 51 (470–698 MHz) for digital broadcasting and tasked its Frequency Management Division with developing a plan for allocating Channels 14 to 20 (470–512 MHz), which were shared with mobile and fixed communication services.^[7] Two technical working groups were formed to guide the NTC in selecting an appropriate DTT standard, and included the local broadcasters' group, the Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines.

In response to the working groups' recommendations, and with the aim of enhancing broadcasting capabilities, the NTC issued a Memorandum Circular on 2 June 2010 declaring the adoption of the Japanese ISDB-T International as the sole DTT service standard for the Philippines, and this Circular was implemented on 11 June 2010.^[4] The Circular noted that the decision was based on ISDB-T's 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. In December of that year, the governments of Japan and the Philippines adopted a memorandum of cooperation to train engineers in preparation for the adoption of the Japanese standard.^[8][9] According to the NTC's draft IRRs, DTT broadcast providers that had been duly authorized via a congressional franchise would be obligated to also deliver their existing analog television programs through their DTT service. Digital broadcast providers intending to offer pay-per-view or restricted access would need to obtain additional permission from the Commission. Supplementary services may be allowed, contingent on prevailing decrees, acts, and laws.

However, in March 2011 the NTC announced it planned to re-evaluate its previous decision to adopt ISDB-T, with the possibility of instead implementing the European second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T2) platform. Broadcasting company GMA Network, Inc. conveyed its support for this re-evaluation, stating that DVB-T2 was far superior to its Japanese counterpart,^[10] and TV5 agreed to do comparative tests between the two standards. But ABS-CBN Corporation criticized the Commission for giving varying indications on the Philippines' official stand on digital television standards, panning it for its incompetence in supporting its initial pronouncement to implement the ISDB-T standard.^[11] But by May 2011 the NTC had concluded that the recent advances in the ISDB-T International standard had led to it rivalling DVB-T2. While still continuing to review the European standard, it started drafting appropriate IRRs should it decide to continue with the Japanese standard.^[12] As a result, broadcasting companies agreed to delay the switchover from analog to terrestrial provided that the technology that was to be adopted would be far more advanced than the initial digital standard adopted on June 11, 2010.

The NTC finalized its evaluation of the two standards in August 2011 and announced the adoption of ISDB-T over DVB-T2, primarily owing to its advantages in terms of affordability.^[13][14] They re-affirmed their decision in October 2013 at a public hearing and released the draft IRRs for ISDB-T in December 2014.^[15][16] In March 2016 the commission held public consultations on the digital migration plan and estimated that a full transition to digital television would take three to five years.^[17] In February 2018, the NTC issued the final IRRs, reallocating Channels 14 to 20 for DTT services. Under these IRRs, authorised television networks operating in the Mega Manila area became eligible to receive channel assignments within the announced frequency range.^[18][19]

Set-top boxes

While any ISDB-T ready television set or set-top box can receive digital signals (for example, Baron's digital receiver box), various networks have rolled out set-top boxes that carry their own brandings. ABS-CBN was the first company to commercially launch DTT, when they launched TV Plus on 11 February 2015.^[22] ABS-CBN also operated exclusive DTT channels (i.e. channels that other set-top box devices cannot receive) through an exclusive version of the Conditional Access System used by pay TV operators. Other branded set-top boxes include the Easy TV of the now defunct Solar Entertainment, launched in May 2018; the Affordabox of GMA Network, launched in June 2020, which also offers an encrypted recording feature but only for the network's existing subchannels; and the Sulit TV of TV5 Network, launched in September 2021.^[23][24]

Some set-top box brands had a limited launch in various regions, including the Tipidbox of Philippine Collective Media Corporation in partnership with RCA in Tacloban, launched in 2021; and the DigiTV of Brigada News TV in General Santos and its surrounding areas, launched in February 2024.^[25][26]

The government, through the Presidential Communications Group, also has its own brand of set-top box called the Bagong Pilipinas Digibox for distribution to low-income families to help them transition to digital television. It was launched in January 2024, later than the launch of most of the commercial products.^[27][28][29]

Mobile phones and dongles

Smartphones and tablet computers with built-in digital TV tuners were introduced to the market during the 2010s, including brands such as Starmobile,^[30][31][32] Cherry Mobile,^[33] MyPhone,^[34] Alcatel,^[35] Samsung,^[36] O+,^[37][38] and SKK Mobile.^[39] Dongles capable of receiving digital signals like ABS-CBN's TV Plus Go and GMA's Now were also introduced for compatible devices through USB On-The-Go and USB-C in later models.

Shifting dates

As part of the planned transition from analog to digital television, the early IRRs from the NTC stated that no new analog television licenses would be approved after 31 December 2010. Existing broadcasters were expected to end their analog transmissions and surrender their frequencies by 11:59 p.m Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8) on 31 December 2015, known as the analog switchoff (ASO). However, the delays in releasing the IRRs for DTT broadcast meant that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) could only officially start the switchover from analog to digital in February 2017, resulting in an initial postponement of the deadline for the ASO to 2019, followed by a further postponement to 2023.^{[40][41][42][43]}

On 15 January 2024, the NTC reported that preparations for the ASO were underway, including coordination with broadcasters distributing set-top boxes to consumers. According to NTC data, fewer than one million households—about 18% of those in the Mega Manila area—were still using analog television as of that date, with an estimated 82–83% already transitioned to digital broadcasting. Consequently, the NTC adopted a revised strategy for the ASO, shifting from a nationwide approach to a phased, region-based shutdown.^[44][45][46] In November 2024, Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco stated that despite previous delays the ASO would begin in the Mega Manila area,^[47] with IRRs finalized the following month. The ASO was initially planned for completion in Mega Manila by 31 December 2025, with the rest of the country to follow by 2026.^[48][49] A draft Memorandum Circular was issued for public consultation in January 2025, and in November 2025 the NTC revised the Mega Manila ASO date to November 2026.^[50]

Timeline of the analog switch-off

Broadcasters that have ended analog transmission

While the nationwide analog switch-off has been repeatedly delayed, eight broadcasters independently ended their analog transmissions and transitioned fully to digital broadcasting.

• Light Network (now Light TV), which primarily serves Mega Manila, became the first channel in the Philippines to fully switch to digital broadcasting when it completely shut down its analog broadcasts on 28 February 2017.
• Independent channel RJTV, which serves Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces, switched off its analog broadcast on 5 June 2018.
• GBN ended its analog broadcasts on 1 December 2018.
• SBN fully switched to digital after shutting down its analog broadcast on 12 September 2019.
• BEAM TV fully switched to digital after shutting down its analog broadcast on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2021.
• Sonshine Media Network International fully switched to digital after shutting down its analog broadcast on 5 January 2023.
• Central Luzon Television (Channel 36) fully switched to digital after shutting down its analog broadcast on 6 December 2023.
• UNTV switched off their analog broadcasting on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2025.

National broadcasters

• ABS-CBN/AMCARA: ABS-CBN Corporation and AMCARA Broadcasting Network intended to spend 1 billion pesos on its transition to digital broadcasting. ABS-CBN announced on 4 April 2011 that it was prepared to launch five free "premium" channels on a DTT platform as soon as the NTC finalized its regulations on digital television. ABS-CBN's flagship used UHF Channel 43 (647.143 MHz) for its ISDB-Tb transmission test, after previously using 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.^[53][54] However, in 2020, the NTC, on 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.^[55][56] 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 this never happened and the channel was eventually used instead by state-run People's Television Network, Inc. On 25 January 2022, the NTC 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. SMNI broadcast operations were suspended as per the NTC's 30-day suspension order.^[57]
• AMBS/All TV: On 26 June 2022, Advanced Media Broadcasting System started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 16 (485.143 MHz).
• PTV: In 2009, the state broadcaster People's Television Network, Inc. began DTT trials using ISDB-Tb on Channel 48 (677.143 MHz). In 2011, the Japanese government donated additional equipment to the network to improve its digital services. PTV4 is also planning to operate an Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) using the digital platform. PTV later used Channel 42 (641.143 MHz) frequency, which has since been moved to channel 14 (473.143 MHz).^[58][59]
• TV5/NBC: TV5 Network, Inc. (formerly known as ABC Development Corporation/Associated Broadcasting Company) and Nation Broadcasting Corporation have been using ISDB-Tb for their DTT trials via a simulcast of flagship DWET-TV through DWDZ-TV (now defunct). 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 and its sister channels One Sports and RPTV are primarily broadcast on the NTC-assigned and SFN-based Channel 18 (497.143 MHz), while remaining in simulcast on the other two existing frequencies.^[60][61]
• GMA/CNMPI: GMA Network, Inc. and Citynet Network Marketing and Productions 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,^[62][63] using UHF Channel 27. Areas planned for a temporary digital broadcast covered the cities of Quezon City,^[64] Makati, Pasig, Tagaytay, and Angeles City in Pampanga, as well as Ortigas, Cavite, and Calumpit in Bulacan. GMA was vocal about the NTC's choice of the country's DTV standard. On 27 March 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, with which the company complied a few years later.^[10][65][66] Currently, GMA's domestic channels are broadcasting via DTT on UHF Channel 15 (479.143 MHz), with the network starting to broadcast in widescreen on 27 February 2023.^[67][68]

Religious and independent broadcasters

• Net 25 and INC TV: In 2007, two religious broadcast companies 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. Initially broadcasting in DVB-T, it shifted to using ISDB-Tb in 2009.^[69][70] However, following the launch of INCTV, digital transmissions were initially conducted during analog off-air periods from 12:00 a.m.– 4:00 a.m. By 5 September 2017, the network was given a "special authority" by the NTC to transfer its analog broadcasts to UHF Channel 48 to allow Channel 49 to conduct its full-time digital simulcast. The stations use the frequencies UHF Channel 28 (557.143 MHz) and UHF Channel 49 (683.143 MHz).
• SMNI: Sonshine Media Network International conducted DTT test broadcasts using ISDB-T on UHF Channel 40 (629.143 MHz). The station used the frequencies UHF Channel 39 (623.143 MHz), UHF Channel 43 (647.143 MHz), and UHF Channel 44 (653.143 MHz) until 21 December 2023, when the NTC suspended the network's operations for 30 days due to alleged violations of its broadcast franchise.^[71] On 18 January 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 27 December 2023.^[72][73]
• Hope Channel Philippines/GBN and GNN/IBMI: Gateway UHF Television Broadcasting, Interactive Broadcast Media and First United Broadcasting Corporation conducted DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 45 (659.143 MHz).
• UNTV: Progressive Broadcasting Corporation, owned and operated by Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International, tested its ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 38 (617.143 MHz), and 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 1 January 2025.
• RJTV: On 4 January 2019, Rajah Broadcasting Network started broadcasting on digital using UHF Channel 29 (563.143 MHz). RJTV was the second TV network in the country to fully abandon its analog transmissions and shift to digital television.

Commercial and regional broadcasters

• BEAM TV: 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 with regard to the DVB-T2 digital system. The station uses the frequency UHF Channel 31 (575.143 MHz).
• SEC/SBN/BCI: Solar Entertainment Corporation tested 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 moved 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 set-top box called Easy TV, until it ceased on 30 September 2019.^[74]
• RPN/Nine Media/RPTV: On 28 January 2016, the state-sequestered Radio Philippines Network and Private company Nine Media Corporation conducted a DTT test using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 19 (503.143 MHz).
• Light TV/ZOE TV: On 1 March 2017, ZOE Broadcasting Network made history in Philippine TV broadcasting when 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, with network engineers stating that they had been prepared to make the switch happen for years.^[75] 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 18 March 2022 the station moved to UHF Channel 17 (491.143 MHz), returning to the old frequency temporarily from 21 March to 31 March 2022.
• MBC/DZRH TV: Manila Broadcasting Company, the largest radio network in the Philippines, 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).
• PRTV: In 2021, Philippine Collective Media Corporation started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 50 (689.143 MHz). The latter launched its own digital set-top box for the said area, marketed as "PRTV Tipidbox" partnered with RCA.
• Aliw BC/Aliw Channel 23: On 6 May 2022, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation started DTT testing in Tacloban using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 23 (527.143 MHz).
• CLTV36: On 10 September 2023, Central Luzon Television, owned by Radioworld Broadcasting Corporation, started conducting DTT testing using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 36 (605.143 MHz). The station held a test broadcast on 16 October 2023 and was officially launched on 7 December 2023.
• Brigada TV: Brigada Mass Media Corporation started conducting DTT testing in General Santos using ISDB-Tb on UHF Channel 37 (611.143 MHz). In February 2024, it launched its own digital set-top box called Brigada DigiTV which is currently available in General Santos and surrounding areas.^[25][26]