On 16 September 2024, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (“NBTC”) issued the Notification regarding updated criteria and procedures for granting permission to use frequencies and operate broadcasting services. This notification substitutes the previous version dated 15 November 2021, and sets forth improved standards to govern the allocation and usage of broadcasting frequencies.
The frequency usage license
The NBTC classifies frequency usage licenses for broadcasting service into 3 types:
- Public service license – granted through an auction process. The criteria, conditions, and requirements shall include at least the details specified by the NBTC.
- Community service license – granted through a beauty contest or comparative review method. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications specified by the NBTC.
- Business operation license – granted through a beauty contest or comparative review method. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications specified by the NBTC.
Payment and notification
Successful licensees shall pay the required license fees and notify the NBTC, providing relevant information regarding their broadcasting station within 30 days.
Validity, Revocation, and Cancellation
The NBTC shall publicly announce when it is deemed appropriate to grant the frequency usage license. The license shall have a validity period specified by the NBTC, which shall not exceed 7 years.
In case where the licensee wishes to cancel the frequency usage license, the licensee shall provide the reasons for the approval from the NBTC. In such regard, the NBTC may order the licensee to provide remedy measures to the public person who is affected from this cancellation of license.