Kinumpirma ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) na nailipat na nito sa Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc. (AMBS), isang kompanya na naiuugnay kay Manny Villar, ang Provisional Authority (PA) na magamit para sa isang broadcast system ang dating ABS-CBN frequencies na Channel 2 at Channel 16.

“In an Order promulgated 05 January 2022, the NTC granted Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc. (AMBS) a Provisional Authority to install, operate and maintain a Digital Television (TV) Broadcasting System in Metro Manila/Mega Manila unsing Channel 16,” sabi ng NTC sa isang pahayag nitong Martes, 25.

Paliwanag nito, taong 2006 pa unang nag-apply ang AMBS at nanatili itong nakabinbin hanggang sa magkaroon ng bakanteng frequency. Ang Channel 2 at Channel 16 na frequency ay dating hawak ng ABS-CBN at ABS-CBN Sports and Actions.

“AMBS was the first applicant for an authority to install, operate and maintain a digital TV in Metro Manila as filed on 05 October 2006, under Case No. 2006-100. AMBS has been waiting for an available digital TV frequency since 2006 after undergoing a quasi-judicial process which includes noticed to all interested/affected parties and hearing,” saad ng NTC.

Matapos dumaan sa proseso, at assessment mula sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at Department of Justice (DOJ), napagbigyan ang naturang aplikasyon ng media company ngayong taon.

Basahin: Dating frequency ng ABS-CBN na ‘Channel 2,’ nakuha na raw ng media company ni Villar? – Balita – Tagalog Newspaper Tabloid

“AMBS was granted the PA after the determination of its legal, technical and financial qualification,” sabi ng NTC.

“Prior to the grant of PA, the NTC sought policy guidance from the DICT, a legal opinion from the DOJ and the concurrence of the OP-OES,” dagdag pa ng NTC.

Samantala, pansamantalang magagamit ng AMBS ang Channel 2 na ilalaan lang para sa simulcast purposes upang maserbisyuhan ang mga kumokunsumo ng analog at digital TV.

“After the technical evaluation of AMBS’ request for a simulcast channel, Channel 2 (the paired analog channel in Mega Manila of digital channel 16) was temporarily assigned to AMBS. This temporary assignment is for simulcast purposes only, and only until the analog shut-off scheduled in 2023. The temporary assignment was granted to ensure service to both analog and digital TV signal users as the country transitions to full digital TV,” paliwanag ng NTC.

Unang naiulat sa website na Bilyonaryo nitong hapon ng Martes, Enero 25, ang nasabing pagbitbit ng AMBS sa dalawang frequencies na dating pagmamay-ari ng media giant ABS-CBN.