The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will switch off analog TV broadcasts in Mega Manila on November 22, 2026. This is part of the country’s ongoing shift to digital television and will affect homes that still rely on analog signals.
The analog shutdown will cover Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and parts of Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, and Bataan. Once the cutoff takes effect, viewers in these areas will no longer receive free-to-air channels through analog TV broadcasts.
The agency said most homes in Mega Manila have already moved to digital television. Recent figures cited by the agency show digital TV adoption in the region has reached at least 80%, with newer assessments indicating readiness may already be above 90%.
To help viewers prepare, broadcasters are expected to roll out information campaigns and public service announcements ahead of the switch-off date. The regulator is also working with industry groups to validate household readiness.
If you’re still using an older analog television, you’ll need a digital TV or a compatible digital set-top box to continue watching local channels. The NTC previously said set-top boxes are available at a relatively low one-time cost, making the transition easier for households that have not yet upgraded.
The shift to digital TV brings several benefits, including clearer picture quality, better sound, and access to more channels on the same frequency. Digital broadcasting can also support emergency warning services during disasters and other critical events.
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The November 22 shutdown will serve as the first phase of the country’s analog switch-off program. The NTC will assess readiness in other regions before announcing the next rollout areas.
For viewers still on analog TV, the transition is straightforward. Upgrading before the deadline will help ensure uninterrupted access to free television broadcasts when analog signals go off the air.
