Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The State recognizes the need for equal access to quality and affordable 
education. In the past few years, the education sector has seen a massive shift and 
investment towards modern tools to aid the education of the student. This includes 
the use of internet-based technologies, as well as, the use of digital and online learning. 
With the establishment of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, the Department constantly has been ensuring nationwide access to 
connectivity and digital opportunities. This measure complements this mandate by 
promoting satellite based technologies among education and cause-oriented civic 
organizations. 
This bill was first filed by Rep. Salceda in the 18th Congress. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
August 30, 2022
8:02 am
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 Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  _________ 
Introduced by Representative 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
AN ACT  
DEREGULATING SATELLITE-BASED TECHNOLOGIES, MANDATING 
RELEVANT AGENCIES TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SATELLITE-
BASED TECHNOLOGIES DEDICATED TO EDUCATION AND OTHER CIVIC 
CAUSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Satellite-Based Technologies 
Promotion Act". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It shall be declared the policy of the State to 
promote broad and inclusive access to the internet and the availability of high-speed 
internet services, as well as the accessibility of affordable satellite-based technologies, 
as crucial for encouraging economic growth, opportunities for decent employment in 
the countryside, and improvements in educational outcomes. 
Towards these ends, the State shall deregulate access to satellite-based services and 
encourage their use in the countryside and by educational institutions and cause-
oriented civic organizations.  
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
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a) Internet service providers (ISPs) refer to organizations that provide services for 
accessing, using, or participating in the internet, whether as commercial, 
community-owned, nonprofit, or private-owned organizations; 
b) Satellite-based technologies refer to communications technologies that employ 
infrastructure and mechanisms with the ability to transmit and receive signals 
from earth and to retransmit those signals back with the use of a transponder 
which is an integrated receiver and transmitter of radio signals; 
c) Satellite Global Broadband Network (SGBN) refers to a global satellite network 
employing portable terminals such as the Broadband Global Area Network 
(BGAN), which makes available services such as high-speed internet, phone, 
facsimile, short message texting, and streamlining services; 
d) Value-added service (VAS) providers refer to providers of non-core 
communications services, or, in general, all services beyond standard voice 
calls and facsimile transmissions; 
e) Very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) refers to a two-way satellite ground station 
with a dish antenna, typically not more than four (4) meters in diameter, and 
whose technical specifications the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT) may further define.  
SECTION 4. Additional Mandate to the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT). — To expand access to satellite-based 
technologies as an alternative connectivity solution for making distance-based 
learning more inclusive, the DICT shall: 
a) Pursue policies to secure necessary orbital slots for prospective Philippine 
satellites, especially those dedicated to education and missionary internet 
connectivity in the countryside; 
b) Work with relevant agencies to encourage the commercial development of 
technologies complementary to satellites based technologies, especially those 
dedicated to education; 
c) Information with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), issue rules and 
regulations on the development, use, and maintenance of satellite-based 
technology; 
d) Perform such other functions as may be relevant to its work as the principal 
policy and development agency for satellite based technology.  
SECTION 5. Policies on the Use of Satellite Technology. - The government shall 
promote the use of satellite services as a means of making education more inclusive 
and more technologically-ready. 


To promote the expansion of satellite-based networks, particularly in rural areas, and 
in areas with limited fixed or cellular mobile network connectivity, value-added 
service (VAS) providers and internet service providers (ISPs) shall be allowed to own 
and operate networks utilizing satellite global brand network (SGBN) such as very 
small aperture terminals (VSATs), broadband global area network (BGAN) and other 
similar technologies without the need of a franchise and a provisional authority or 
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the National 
Telecommunications Commission (NTC). VAS providers and ISPs shall, however, 
comply with the existing policies requiring registration of VAS and ISP offerings and 
submission of their schedule of rates.  
The NTC shall comply with international regulations on the allocation and use of 
frequency for satellite services and shall not re-allocate them to the detriment of users 
of VSAT or other SGBN. It shall likewise ensure the availability of satellite 
frequencies for the use of VAS providers and ISPs. The NTC shall issue the rules and 
regulations necessary for the implementation of portions of this paragraph that 
require administrative and regulatory oversight.  
SECTION 6. Promotion of Satellite-based Technologies Among Education and 
Cause-oriented Civic Organizations. — Government organizations, public and non-
profit private educational institutions, volunteer organizations engaged in education, 
environmental management, climate change management, disaster preparedness 
and crisis response shall be allowed to own and operate satellite-based technology in 
order to aid and augment their activities. The NTC shall, within thirty (30) days upon 
the effectivity of this Act, establish an expeditious administrative process to allow 
such entities to apply for permits to import and or own such technology. The Anti-
Red Tape Authority shall ensure that the procedures set forth by the NTC pursuant 
to this section, complies with Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. 
  
SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Unless otherwise stated, the 
DICT shall, in coordination with the NTC, PhilSA and in consultation with relevant 
groups and sectors, issue the rules and regulations to implement this Act within 
ninety (90) days from the date of its effectivity. 
SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any part or provision of this Act 
is declared invalid or unconstitutional, any part of provision not affected thereby 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of Executive Order No. 467 (s. 1998) 
that are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. All 


other laws, decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.  
SECTION 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved.