MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Tuesday ordered Sky Cable Corporation – a subsidiary of embattled television giant ABS-CBN – to “immediately cease and desist operating” its direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service, Sky Direct.
BREAKING: NTC orders ABS-CBN’s SkyCable to immediately stop operating its satellite TV service. | @miguelrcamusINQ pic.twitter.com/YCL2mDxRNJ
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 30, 2020
In its order, NTC pointed out that the franchise granted to Sky Cable by virtue of Republic Act No. 7969 has expired on May 4.
“Upon the expiration of R.A. No. 7966, Sky Cable Corporation no longer has a valid and subsisting congressional franchise to install, operate and maintain a Direct Broadcast Satellite Service,” the Commission said.
NTC also asked Sky Cable to explain within 10 days why its radio frequencies should not be recalled for lack of the necessary congressional franchise.
It likewise ordered Sky Cable to refund all subscribers with unconsumed prepaid loads, deposits on subscriber equipment and services, advance payments for monthly charges, and charges collected from new applicants.
Sky Cable has entered into a Transponder Lease Agreement with New Skies Satellites B.V. for the lease of satellite capacity to Sky Cable for the operation of its DBS service and was assigned radio frequencies 14421-14457 MHz and 12673-12709MHz.
NTC’s cease and desist order was signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, and Deputy Commissioners Edgardo Cabarios and Delilah Deles.
On May 5, NTC ordered ABS-CBN to stop operations after its legislative franchise expired on May 4.
