NTC: Preparations underway for analog TV shutdown

Preparations are now underway for the planned shutting off of analog television and transition to digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said Monday. 

In a public briefing, NTC Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said the preparations for the integration are ongoing and that some TV networks are now offering digital TV boxes. 

“Ang ating analog shut off or phaseout is hindi naurong. At this point in our transition, nagu-umpisa na tayo mag-prepare for the analog shut off…We’re looking for a working date para sa analog shut off…It’s something na (pagpa planuhan) pa natin as we go along for the preparations,” said Blanco.

(The deadline for the shut off was not delayed. At this point, we’re preparing for the analog TV phase-out. We’re looking for a working date for the shut and it’s something that we need to study as we go along the preparations.)

Latest data from the NTC showed at least 18% or less than a million of Filipino households in Mega Manila are using analog TV.

An estimated 82% to 83% of households have already shifted to DTTB.

Under the digital service, viewers will have a better viewing experience with a clearer picture, better signal, and more programs to choose from.

The NTC also said an early warning broadcast will also be included in the service, allowing the government to issue advisories in the case of emergencies and disaster situations.

Meanwhile, Blanco said government is considering the possibility of granting subsidies for households that would be shifting to DTTB.

“‘’Yung TV viewers, we encourage na mag-shift sa digital tv service. Mas maganda ang experience sa digital television. Mas maraming programs, mas maganda signal, mas klaro…Other than that, mayroon din tayong early warning broadcast na makakatulong sa ating mamamayan pagdating sa emergency at mga disasters,” he said.

(We encourage viewers to shift to digital TV service. You’ll have a better viewing experience, see clearer pictures, and will be able to watch more programs. We also have an early warning broadcast for emergencies and disasters.)

“We encourage everyone, let’s all prepare for a full digital TV service,” added Blanco.

In 2017, DICT National Information and Communications Technology Planning chief George Tardio said, "We are targeting four to six years of simulcast before the analog shutoff.”

In November 2013, the NTC issued a memorandum circular on the "Standard for DTTB Service," following an order of then-President Benigno Aquino III for the industry to shift to digital TV using the Japanese standard.

GMA Network Inc. said it was working on a digital terrestrial television technology "far superior" to those already out in the market. It has allocated P416 million to the project.