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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider NTC shuts down analog TV in Mega Manila

NTC shuts down analog TV in Mega Manila

Published Nov 28, 2025 04:16 pm

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is taking a major step in the country’s transition to purely digital television (TV) service by gradually phasing out analog broadcasts in Mega Manila, with total shutdown set for next year.

In a memorandum circular, NTC set a 12-month timeline for all analog TV stations in Mega Manila to complete their transition to digital terrestrial TV broadcast (DTTB).

Mega Manila refers to areas in National Capital Region (NCR) and neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bataan.

The shutdown order took effect on Nov. 21, with the 12-month timeline ending in the same month next year.

Citing a survey, NTC estimates that around 80 percent of TV broadcasts in the area are already receiving DTTB, indicating that a majority no longer rely on analog signals.

NTC said that TV networks have been providing simultaneous broadcasting of both analog and digital TV signals for over eight years now.

While it was intended to ensure uninterrupted TV service, NTC noted that this setup only adds to operating expenses (opex) of networks.

“The setting of an analog switch-off date would allow the TV networks to allocate their resources and investments, as they shift their operations from analog to full digital broadcast transmission,” NTC said.

NTC said DTTB service is not only an advanced technology compared to analog, but also offers “a better viewing experience, improved signal reception, and more program choices for the televiewers.”

It also said that applying digital technology in broadcasting service would ensure the competitiveness of the TV industry, enabling it to provide enhanced services to the public.

Acknowledging that not all households with analog sets have the capability to access digital broadcasts, the government will develop “assistance programs” to ensure that no TV household will be disenfranchised during the phaseout period.

Such programs will be overseen by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), alongside Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and NTC.

Additional details for these efforts will be provided through the issuance of a supplemental circular.

In addition, PCO is tasked to manage communications for the phaseout, specifically to encourage analog TV users to “purchase the [set-top boxes] needed to receive DTTB signals.”

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