NTC: Almost 100% of Mega Manila Households Are Now Ready for Digital TV Ahead of Nov. 22 Analog Switch-Off

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced that nearly 100 percent of households in Mega Manila are already equipped for digital television ahead of the scheduled analog broadcast shutdown on November 22, 2026.

In an interview on state-run PTV, the commission reiterated that Mega Manila is prepared for the historic shift from traditional analog signals to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). According to NTC Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco, digital TV adoption in the region has climbed well past the 90 percent mark—a significant jump from the 80 percent baseline recorded in December 2024—with current figures approaching near-universal readiness.

What the November 22 Switch-Off Covers

Under NTC Memorandum Circular No. 005-11-2025, television networks were given a 12-month window from November 2025 to migrate their broadcasts to the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard. Once the deadline hits on November 22, analog television frequencies in Mega Manila will be permanently turned off.

The first phase of the Analog Switch-Off (ASO) covers:

 * National Capital Region (Metro Manila)

 * Bulacan

 * Cavite

 * Pampanga

 * Bataan

 * Portions of Laguna and Rizal

Pushing Forward Amid Broadcaster Appeals

The NTC's reassurance comes shortly after GMA Network formally appealed to regulators to postpone the November 22 deadline, citing concerns that low-income households still relying on older television sets could lose access to free-to-air news and entertainment.

Despite the appeal, the NTC maintained that the high adoption rate—alongside existing cable, satellite, and online streaming subscriptions—shows the vast majority of Mega Manila viewers will experience no disruption.

What Households Still on Analog Need to Do

Viewers who already own modern digital-ready TVs (ISDB-T compliant) or subscribe to cable and satellite services do not need to take any action. However, households still using older analog cathode-ray tube (CRT) or non-digital flatscreen TVs to watch free channels will need to purchase a one-time digital set-top box (DTT receiver), which typically costs around ₱500 to ₱700.

Once upgraded, viewers gain access to clearer picture and audio quality, more free-to-air digital subchannels, and built-in Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS) alerts during typhoons and disasters.