Philippines NTC Opens 77–81 GHz Band for Radar Devices

Philippines NTC Opens the 77–81 GHz Band for Radar and Movement-Detection Equipment

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) of the Philippines has published a draft amendment to Section 2 of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 03-05-2007, the framework governing Short-Range Devices (SRDs) in the country. The proposed amendment allocates the 77–81 GHz frequency band for equipment designed to detect movement and provide alerts, including low-power radar systems used for radiodetermination. For manufacturers, importers, and distributors of automotive radar and sensing equipment, this is a meaningful expansion of the Philippine spectrum framework that will shape type-approval requirements going forward.

Regulatory Background

MC No. 03-05-2007 has served since 2007 as the NTC's governing instrument for the use and operation of Short-Range Devices, and it has been amended several times to keep pace with new wireless technologies, most recently to accommodate RLAN/HIPERLAN operation in the 6 GHz band. The current proposal continues that pattern, extending the circular to cover modern millimeter-wave radar applications that did not exist when the original framework was drafted.

The NTC grounds the amendment in its mandate under Republic Act No. 7925 (the Public Telecommunications Policy Act), Act No. 3846 (the Radio Control Law, as amended), and Executive Order No. 546. The Commission's stated rationale is to keep pace with developments in wireless technology, ensure wider access to the limited radio-frequency spectrum, and promote the cost-effective use of technology in the Philippines.

Key Provisions and Technical Scope of the Philippines 77–81 GHz Radar Equipment Rule

The draft amendment opens the 77–81 GHz band specifically for equipment whose function is to detect movement and issue alerts — a category that captures a wide range of radiodetermination devices. The technical parameter limits set out in the draft must not be exceeded by any function of the equipment or by any means. In practice, the band is most associated with:

Automotive radar (77/79 GHz)

Forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and similar advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) radar modules operate within this range. The 77 GHz and 79 GHz sub-bands are the global standard for vehicular radar, so this allocation aligns the Philippines with established international practice.

Level, presence, and movement sensors

Industrial level-measurement radar, occupancy and presence detectors, and other low-power radar sensors used for radiodetermination fall within the scope of the amendment.

Other radiodetermination devices

Any device entering the Philippine market that relies on millimeter-wave radar in the 77–81 GHz range to detect movement or position will be expected to comply with the new technical parameters once the circular takes effect.

The draft also includes the NTC's standard harmonization clause: any circular, memorandum, or order inconsistent with the new provisions will be deemed amended or superseded accordingly.

What This Means for Manufacturers

For OEMs, importers, and compliance teams, the practical effect is that the 77–81 GHz band moves from an unaddressed gap into a defined, parameter-bound allocation under MC 03-05-2007. That brings both opportunity and obligation:

• Clearer market access for radar products. Automotive radar and movement-detection sensors gain an explicit regulatory home, reducing ambiguity in the type-approval pathway for 77/79 GHz devices.

• New technical limits to meet. Equipment must conform to the technical parameters specified in the amended circular. Devices that previously entered under less specific provisions should be re-checked against the new limits.

• A short window to influence the rule. Because the measure is still in draft, stakeholders can submit position papers before the deadline and participate in the public hearing — a genuine opportunity to flag technical concerns before the parameters are locked in.

• Documentation readiness. Manufacturers should ensure test reports and technical files demonstrate compliance with the 77–81 GHz parameters so that type-approval submissions are not delayed once the circular is in force.

  
  

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors are advised to begin reviewing their equipment portfolios now to identify which products fall within the 77–81 GHz scope and to start aligning technical documentation with the anticipated requirements.

Certification Impact Summary

Aspect	Impact
Affected equipment	Automotive radar (77/79 GHz), level/movement/presence sensors, low-power radar for radiodetermination
Frequency band	77–81 GHz
Governing instrument	NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-05-2007 (Section 2, as amended)
Regulatory action	Draft amendment + public consultation / public hearing
Compliance trigger	Technical parameter limits in the amended circular must not be exceeded
Type approval	Radar/sensor products will follow the NTC type-approval/acceptance process under the new parameters
Effectivity	15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing with ONAR (UP Law Center)
Status at time of writing	Draft / consultation stage — not yet final

Timeline and Required Actions

1. Mid-May 2026 — Draft published. The NTC posts the draft amendment and Notice of Public Hearing on its official website.

2. By 26 May 2026 — Position papers due. Stakeholders submit comments by email to commissioner@ntc.gov.ph and spectrum@ntc.gov.ph, using the subject line "Position Paper on Amending Section 2 of NTC Memorandum Circular No. 03-05-2007."

3. 2 June 2026 (Thursday) — Public hearing. Held at the 5/F NTC Multi-Purpose Hall, NTC Building, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Avenue, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City.

4. After the hearing — Finalization. The NTC reviews input and issues the final Memorandum Circular.

5. Publication + ONAR filing — Effectivity. The circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.

   
   

Required actions for manufacturers and importers:

• Audit your product range to flag any device operating in the 77–81 GHz band.

• Review test reports against the draft technical parameters and identify gaps.

• Submit a position paper before 26 May 2026 if you have technical concerns or want clarification.

• Plan type-approval submissions around the expected effectivity date to avoid market-access delays.

• Engage your certification partner early to confirm documentation and testing alignment.

  
  

Market Significance

By allocating the 77–81 GHz band, the Philippines brings its SRD framework into line with the millimeter-wave radar standards already adopted in major markets such as the United States, where the FCC permits radar services across the 76–81 GHz range. For a market with growing demand for ADAS-equipped vehicles and industrial sensing equipment, a defined regulatory pathway for automotive and movement-detection radar removes a significant point of uncertainty.

Manufacturers that prepare their compliance documentation ahead of effectivity will be best positioned to bring 77/79 GHz radar products to the Philippine market without interruption.