WHEREAS, pursuant to RA 7925 (Public Telecommunications Policy Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the radio spectrum allocation and assignment shall be subject to review in the interest of public service and in order to keep pace with the development in the wireless technology with the end in view of insuring a wider access to the limited radio spectrum and the use of cost effective technology;

WHEREAS, the Commission is mandated to promote and sustain a healthy competitive telecommunications environment;

WHEREAS, pursuant to RA 7925, the growth and development of telecommunications networks and services shall be pursued;

WHEREAS, under the same Act, the Government shall allocate the spectrum to service providers to meet public demand for telecommunications services;

WHEREAS, in line with the thrust of the government to promote and facilitate the growth and development of information and communications technology (ICT ) throughout the country; and

Recognizing, that

- ICT access, connectivity and development of ICT facilities, services and skills are becoming more important in economies around the world, improving efficiency and welfare and creating an equitable and efficient information society;

- wireless access technology is one of the recognized solutions in providing ICT access in developing and remote (rural), and marginalized areas, hard and costly-to-reach areas using the traditional wirelines, and, thus, prevent the widening of the digital divide;

- new advances in wireless technologies offering high-speed portable and mobile connectivity can help bridge the widening digital divide;

- the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS) Plan of Action to which the Philippines is a signatory, has set out objectives to help increase connectivity for unserved and underserved areas such as remote and sparsely populated areas.

NOW, THEREFORE, in support of the government's objectives to push the country's socio-economic agenda through information and communication technologies and achieving the goal of digital inclusion, enabling universal, sustainable, ubiquitous and affordable access to ICT by all, the National Telecommunications Commission hereby re-allocates the following bands for broadband wireless access for fixed, nomadic and mobile networks:

 

- 450 - 470 MHz;
- 1900 - 1910 MHz;
- 1980 -1990 MHz;
- 2400 - 2483 MHz;
- 2500 - 2700 MHz;
- 3400 - 3600 MHz;
- 5150 - 5350 MHz;
- 5470 - 5850 MHz;
- 10150 - 10650 MHz;

The transfer of previously authorized persons or entities operating radio stations within the above listed radio frequency bands shall be governed by Rule 603 of MC 3-3-96.

REPEALING CLAUSE

Any circular, memorandum, order or parts thereof inconsistent with the provision of this circular shall be deemed amended or superseded accordingly.

EFFECTIVITY

This circular shall take effect (15) days after publications in a newspaper of general circulation and three (3) certified copies furnished the UP Law Center.

Adopted: 23 Aug. 2005

                                   

(SGD.) RONALD OLIVAR SOLIS
Commissioner
(SGD.) JORGE V. SARMIENTO	(SGD.) JAIME M. FORTES, JR.
Deputy Commissioner	Deputy Commissioner