The National Telecommunications Commission has ordered the full shutdown of analog TV services in Mega Manila by November 2026, officially beginning the country’s shift to digital-only broadcasts.
Why it Matters: The shutdown will affect households still using analog TV sets, which means they must use set-top boxes or digital-ready televisions to continue receiving free-to-air channels. This makes public awareness important, since broadcasts and advisories must reach viewers ahead of the switch-off.
The NTC said the shutdown is necessary because analog broadcasting is outdated, costly to maintain, and uses spectrum less efficiently. Moving fully to digital allows better signal quality, more channel capacity, and the use of emergency alert features through the ISDB-T standard. It also helps broadcasters shift resources away from running both analog and digital signals at the same time.
The Circular only applies to TV broadcasters within Mega Manila, which covers NCR and parts of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, and Bataan. Around 80 percent of TV households in the area are already receiving digital broadcasts, based on a survey commissioned by the DICT.
TV stations will be required to air public service announcements at least 60 days before their own shutdown date. These must include an on-screen countdown and clear notice of the station’s switch-off schedule. The Presidential Communications Office will take charge of the official campaign materials and information drive, assisted by broadcasters and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.
A migration assistance program for vulnerable households still using analog equipment will be created by the DICT, with guidelines to be issued in a separate circular. Once the transition is completed, all analog frequencies will be recalled.
Using November 6 as the publication date, the Circular takes effect after 15 days, placing the official effectivity on November 21, 2025. From that date, TV networks in Mega Manila are given 12 months to complete the analog TV shutdown. This means all analog TV services must end approximately on or before November 21, 2026, unless the NTC issues a more concrete deadline or extension. The shift aims to improve signal quality, expand channel capacity, and enable emergency broadcast alerts through the ISDB-T digital TV standard.
Do you think viewers outside Mega Manila are ready for a full shift to digital TV as well?
