NTC appends rules on phone sales, repair

By Alexander Villafania
INQ7.net

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently released amendments to memorandum circular 08-08-2004, which laid down rules governing the sale and repair of mobile phones by service providers.

The NTC issued the circular last year after it received numerous complaints from mobile phone users whose stolen phones were being sold or unblocked by mobile phone repair shops.

Some of the changes included the addition of a mobile phone retailer/reseller (MPRR), apart from the mobile phone dealer (MPD). The difference is that MPDs can directly sell mobile phones and parts through branches or kiosks, while MPRRs are individuals who can only sell limited number of mobile phones within a given period and without the need of physical infrastructure.

The NTC has also changed the application fees and paid-up capitalization for MPDs and MPRRs. For instance, MDPs should have a 100,000-peso paid-up capitalization and pay a 2,500 a year for the permit. NTC has also required MPDs to
pay a 1,500-peso branch permit fee a year for each branch.

Likewise, the NTC is requiring MPRRs to submit a proof of a 50,000 peso paid-up capitalization and pay a 1,500-peso annual registration fee.

The NTC also added 2,500 a year accreditation fee for mobile phone suppliers and distributors (MPSD), as well as an inspection fee of 1,500 pesos per year that should be paid by MPDs, MPRRs and MPSDs.

In the previous version of MC 08-08-2004, the NTC required a filing fee of 180 pesos, a 1,200-peso per year permit fee and a 720-peso per year inspection fee.
The NTC has retained the imposition of 5,000-peso penalties to MPDs, MPRRs and MPSDs who sell, purchase or import illegally acquired and non-NTC type-approved units.