PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. CABLE LINE Sept - Oct 2013 • Vol. 13 Issue 5

Headline | NTC Issues Rules and Regulations on Cable TV and Internet Pilferage Law Page 4

INSIDE | Movers & Shakers: SAriaya cable network (scan), inc. page 5 Advisory to PCTA Members

To allow us to better serve our members:

1. Please update your official authorized representative, address, contact number (s) and email with the secretariat to facilitate better communication. 2. In an agreement entered into by PCTA with TV5MONDE, France24, Al Jazeera, Euronews, and Channel NewsAsia, these channels are giving free carriage to PCTA members. Members are therefore encouraged to carry FTA signal and advise the channel assignment to facilitate authorization documentation. 3. Assistance in processing MTRCB permits. 4. Use of the comments/suggestions box by members is highly appreciated.

Editor-in-chief JOSE LUIS E. DABAO Design and Layout SAM L. LANUZA Editorial Board CEDRIC M. SAZON Circulation ALLAN P. DUNGAO ARLENE C. TAN RALPH B. CASINO BEN L. SARILLA LYN S. ODULIO Managing Editor & Advertising Manager ROSANNA B. MANALANSAN Publisher PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION Editorial Assistant (PCTA), INC. JENNEFER A. MANGUSSAD Unit 504 Taipan Place Condominium, F. Ortigas Jr.R oad, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Contributors Tel. Nos.: 63.2.638.8541 • 63.2.638.8544 ENGR. JESSE GLENN THIAM Fax No.: 63.2.638.85.42 ENGR. PERE ESQUILLO Email: [email protected] CABLE BOSS [email protected] CHANNEL NEWSASIA Website: www.pcta.org.ph

ALL RIGHT RESERVED. The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. Editor’s Note

Jose Luis E. Dabao, Editor-in-Chief It has been a turbulent last few months for all of us. Natural disasters have affected members all over the country. The storms in Luzon have hurt some operators and the earthquake in the Visayas has affected some as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these disasters.

The turbulence isn't just limited to these; the industry is experiencing some volatility. The NTC has approved the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10515 or the Anti-cable television and cable internet tapping law. This is great news for operators like me who are still on an analog platform; we now have greater authority to crack down on signal theft. They also approved which platform Digital Terrestrial Television will be on. The massive capital raising infrastructure behind the broadcast networks will ensure that this tech will be rolled out sooner rather than later.

Technology is a fast paced industry and it’s only getting faster. The best way to weather this shift in speed is to stand together as an association and pass along information and strategies to help each other. We can no longer grow on our own we need to go together. In recently concluded ECC in Cebu, just after the quake, the idea was put forth that operators should explore interconnection. While the models have not been thoroughly tested yet, we encourage all operators to consider this option. Interconnection isn't the only way forward for us and we encourage all of you to put forward your ideas in all the Executive conferences we're going to have to go forward.

Cable line is trying to ride the wave of technology as well. If there is anything you want to see, more information you would like to gather or if you would like to discuss the way forward, tweet us @PCTA_news and let us know what you think!

Enjoy this month’s issue!

DISCLAIMER The opinions, views and/or contents expressed in the articles, contributors or paid advertisements of Cable Line are exclusively that of their author or originator, and do not necessarily reflect the position or stand of the PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

CABLE LINE 3 NTC issues Rules and Regulations on Cable TV and Internet Pilferage Law

by Anne B. Manalansan

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has come out with the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act No. 10515, also known as "Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013" to further underscore the government’s thrust to put an end to cable pilferage.

The new law, signed by President Benigno S. Aquino on April 17, prohibits the unauthorized interception, reception or use of any signal or service over a cable television system or cable Hon. Gamaliel A. Cordoba internet system and network. Commissioner, NTC It also prohibits the unauthorized recording, reproducing, distributing, importing or selling of any intercepted or received cable TV system or network signals for commercial purposes.

NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba stated in Memorandum Circular No. 04-10-2013 that “it shall be the policy of the State to protect the general public and legitimate operators of cable television and cable internet services from unauthorized connections or tapping to existing facilities through wired, wireless, electromagnetic, and other means of cable pilferage.”

The penalties for violating the law includes imprisonment of between 2-5 years or a fine between P50,000-P100,000 or both. The president, manager, or any officer of a corporation or association found violating the law will also be named as direct participant.

The Philippine Cable Television Association Inc. (PCTA), through their chairman, Allan P. Dungao, hailed the issuance of the regulations as the final step in the organization’s drive to ensure

Mr. Allan P. Dungao protection for the cable industry. “I believed then, and I still do now, that the cable industry will Chairman of the Board, PCTA grow and revenues will increase once we have this law,” Mr. Dungao said.

4 CABLE LINE The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 04-10-2013

SUBJECT: implementing Rules and Regulations on Republic Act 10515 or the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013

Pursuant to Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10515 and in line with the provisions of Executive Order Nos. 546 and 205, Act 3846 (Radio Control Law) as amended, Act 146 (Public Service Act) as amended, the National Telecommunications Commission hereby adopts and promulgates the following Rules and Regulations to implement the aforesaid law.

Article I General Provisions

SECTION 1. Title – These Rules shall be known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.

SEC. 2 Construction – These Rules shall be liberally construed to attain the efficient and effective implementation of R.A. 10515.

SEC. 3 Definition of Terms – As used in these Rules:

(a) “NTC” means the National Telecommunications Commission;

(b) “Cable Television (CATV) Service” – refers to the transmission of the delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee through fiber optics, coaxial cable, and other technological means which shall include, but not limited to, transmission via wired or wireless means, including microwave, radio signal or frequencies, for purposes of providing multiple channel CATV Service. The term shall also include electronic equipment such as digital or analog receiver-decoder boxes, set-top and converter boxes as well as, but not limited to, master antenna television, satellite master antenna television, direct broadcast satellite/direct to home, multi-point distribution service, a television receive- only satellite program distributor and other providers of video and audio programming, whatever the technology;

(c) “Cable Internet Service” – refers to the transmission of delivery of electronic signals to the provide and facilitate access to the World Wide Web for a fee through a Cable Internet System or Network;

(d) “CATV System/Network” – refers to a facility engaged in the transmission or delivery of video and audio signals and programming for a fee through fiber optics, coaxial cable, and other technological means;

(e) “Cable Internet System/Network” – refers to a facility engaged in the transmission or delivery of electronic signals to provide and facilitate access to the World Wide Web or a fee through a transmission or delivery system/network;

(f) “CATV Service Provider” – refers to any person, natural or juridical, public or private, which was granted a Certificate of Authority or Provisional Authority as provided under existing laws, rules and regulations, to install, operate and maintain a CATV System/Network and is actually providing CATV Service to its subscribers.

(g) Cable Internet Service Provider” – refers to any person, natural or juridical, public or private, which was issued a registration certificate as provided under existing laws, rules and regulations, to provide and facilitate access to the

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CABLE LINE 5 From Page 5

World Wide Web, for a fee, through a Cable Internet system/network and is actually providing Cable Internet service to its subscribers.

Article II Declaration of Policy

SECTION 1. Declaration of Public Policy – The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector in the national economy, encourages the proliferation of private enterprise, and provide incentives to needed investments.

SEC. 2. Protection of the CATV and Cable Internet Industries – It shall be the policy of the State to protect the general public and legitimate operators of CATV and Cable Internet services from unauthorized connections or tapping to existing facilities through wired, wireless, electromagnetic and other means of cable pilferage.

Article III Unauthorized Interception, Reception, or Use of Any Signal or Service Over a Cable Television System or Cable Internet System and/or Network

SECTION 1. Prohibited Acts – It shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, public or private to:

(a) intercept or receive, or assist in intercepting or receiving, any signal or service offered over a CATV or Cable Internet System by tapping, making or causing to be made, any connection to an existing CATV or Cable Internet System/network, without the authority of the concerned CATV or Cable Internet Service provider;

(b) record, reproduce, distribute, import, or sell any intercepted or receive CATV cable Internet system/network signals without the authority of the concerned CATV or Cable Internet Service provider;

(c) use or receive any direct or indirect benefit from any CATV or cable Internet system/network with knowledge that it is a result of any of the preceding prohibited acts; or

(d) wantonly, maliciously, or willfully damage, destroy, or remove CATV or cable internet facilities and accessories of authorized CATV or Cable Internet Service providers.

SEC. 2. Prima Face Evidence of Illegal Tapping, Interconnection or Reception – The presence of any of the following circumstances shall constitute prima face evidence of illegal tapping, interconnection or reception into the CATV or cable internet system/network, the the person benefited thereby:

(1) For Non-Subscribers – the presence of cable, wires, connectors, and pins, devices and equipment designed to intercept and receive CATV or Cable Internet signals which are directly or indirectly connected from the tap-offs, cables, facilities and equipment of the concerned CATV or cable internet service provider, to the premises of a non-subscriber of the former;

(2) For Subscribers – the presence of unregistered or unauthorized CATV or cable Internet extensions in the premises of the subscriber and unauthorized connections and extensions to neighboring tenements from an existing subscriber.

Article IV Penalties

SECTION 1. Penalties – Any person found by final judgment to have committed any of the prohibited acts in Section 1, Article III hereof shall be meted the penalty of imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than five (5) years or a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP50, 000.00) nor more than nor Hundred Thousand Pesos

Continued on Page 8

6 CABLE LINE The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC.

By Anne B. Manalansan

he 2014 PCTA Convention is off to a T roaring start!

The country’s premier cable television industry exhibit and conference, slated on April 1-4, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center in Metro Manila once again attracted the participation and support of top companies supplying the cable TV industry.

FOX International Channels, Asian Cable Communications Inc. (ACCION), Cable Box Office Shows and Systems (CABLE BOSS), and Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) recently confirmed their support as Gold Sponsors of the event.

Not to be outdone, previous sponsors to the event signed up just as fast. France 24, TV5 Monde, Al Jazeera, Euronews, and Channel News Asia are all set to return as Silver Sponsors.

For sure, exhibit spaces are fast taken up by companies eager to participate in this prestigious event. For more information, interested parties may contact the PCTA secretariat care of Ms. Sam Lanuza at telephone number (6 32) 638-8541, mobile number +63922-8447282. Inquiries may also be sent through email at cableconvention@ pcta.org.ph.

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(PhP100, 000.00) or both, at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a corporation or association, the president, manager, managing partner, or any officer of the corporation or partnership who directly participated in the violation of this Act shall be held liable. The president, manager or managing partner who authorized or consented to the illegal act shall be considered as direct participation.

Article V Information and Dissemination

SECTION 1. Information Dissemination – The NTC shall undertake an information dissemination campaign to inform the public of the provision of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity thereof.

Article VI Repeal and Separability

SECTION 1. Repeal and Separability – All existing rules, regulations, or order, or any parts thereof inconsistent with these Rules are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. If any part of provision of these Rules is declared invalid and unconstitutional, the remainder of the law of the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

Article VII Effectivity

SECTION 1. Effectivity – These Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after copies hereof have been filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) of the UP Law Center and published in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Quezon City, Philippines, 16 October 2013.

GAMALIEL A. CORDOBA (sgd.) Commissioner

CARLO JOSE A. MARTINEZ (sgd.) DELILAH F. DELES (sgd.) Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner

8 CABLE LINE The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. PCTA HOSTS FIRST TECHNICAL SEMINAR FOR 2013-2014 IN CEBU CITY by Engr. Pere D. Esquillo

Cable technician seminar attendees Engr. Joseph Arguelles with one of the topnotchers Cable installer seminar attendees

Engr. Allan Mundina delivering his lecture

he Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA), Inc. Engr. Ricky Q. Cruz. After lunch, the afternoon breakout session conducted the first of its scheduled technical seminars for for Level 1 and Level 2 topics started. For Level 1, Engr. Ronaldo Tthe fiscal year inC ebu Parklane InternationalH otel in Cebu G. Tuzon discussed “Drop Installations”, and thenE ngr. Mindalano City last October 17-18, 2013. C. Mundina talked about “Outside Plant Construction”. For Level 2, Engr. Jesse Z. Thiam discussed “Internet Protocol” which was The two-day simultaneous technical seminars for Installers/ followed by a discussion on “Broadband Services” by Engr. Joseph Level 1 and Technicians/Level 2 were spearheaded by the PCTA M. Arguelles, then a discussion on “Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) Technical Committee with the chairman,E ngr. Romeo L. Zerrudo of Design” by Engr. Frederick D. Esquillo. Z-Energy CATV Network, and committee membersE ngr. Frederick D. Esquillo, PCTA in-house Engineer; Engr. Julian Z. Ventura, Cable The second day sessions were opened for Level 1 by Engr. Allan Television Network, Inc.; Engr. Fernando C. Morales, Visayan C. Mundina who touched on Fiber Optics Technology followed by CATV, Inc.; Engr. Joseph M. Arguelles, Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Engr. Jesse Z. Thiam’s take on “Local Area Networking”. For Level Inc.; Engr. Neil C. Tagabi, Asian Vision Cable Holdings, Inc.; Engr. 2, Engr. Ronaldo G. Tuzon presented “Digital Cable TV System” Engr. Mindalano C. Mundina, Satellite Cable Network, Inc.; Engr. followed by a discussion on “Challenges of Cable TV” by Engr. Jesse Glenn Z. Thiam, Cable Television Network, Inc.; Engr. Solito Joseph M. Arguelles. After lunch, the participants for Level 1 G. Mapolon, Sky Cable Corporation; and Engr. Ronaldo G. Tuzon, and Level 2 were given an exam to verify and validate how they Sky Cable Corporation. absorbed and understood the discussions. At the end of the activity, the top three (3) examinees for each level were cited and During the opening ceremony, Atty. Goering G. A. Paderanga awarded with prizes and picture takings. Jr., PCTA Vice President for Visayas, welcomed and thanked the attendees for participating in the activity. Mr. Bill L. Peralta, NTC- Congratulations to all the participants, especially to those who Region VII representative, on the other hand, gave insights on the topped the exam. importance of joining in such activity.T hen Engr. Romeo L. Zerrudo, PCTA Technical Committee Chair, Level 1 (Cable Installer): 24 participants took the exam introduced the present members of Top 3: the Technical Committee who will be 1. Jose V. Pacifico (Sky Cable Corporation - Cebu) speaking during the seminars. 2. Leo Brian C. Rendon (Countrywide Telecom, Inc.) 3. Jeffrey V. Suarez (Toledo Cable TV, Inc.) The seminar’s joint morning session started with Engr. Fernando G. Level 2 (Cable Technician): 27 participants took the exam Morales’ talk on “Cable TV Systems” Top 3: followed by topics on “Occupational 1. Dan Nehum A. Pongasi (Sky Cable Corporation - Cebu) Safety and Health Administration” 2. Patricio B. Daniot (Parasat Cable TV, Inc.) Mr. Bill L. Peralta of and “Customer Servicing and Work 3. Elmer C. Camasura (Misamis CATV Network, Inc.) NTC Region VII Order Management”, discussed by

CABLE LINE 9 MOVERs & SHAKERS

On the Spotlight: Ms. Mary Joyce Monzon Vice President, Sariaya Cable Network, Inc.

by Sam L. Lanuza

Sariaya Cable Network at a glance counting during elections.

given the Philippine archipelago, one will wonder how business is no business without adversities, and Ms. technology can spread out from one island to another, but former Monzon said that their major problem is the constant typhoons Sariaya mayor, Mr. Juanito Manigbas, thought otherwise. Sariaya that hit their area and which often affect their outside plant. is a first class municipality located in Quezon province. Coming They are also having problems with their rented poles, some of from the north, it is the town after Lucena City and coming from which are grounded, as well as the competition from other payTV the south after Tayabas City. Sariaya is famous for its beaches, platforms. resorts, and heritage houses which made it ideal for business. The management in 1993, Mr. Manigbas heard about the cable TV business at the nearby town and he got interested in putting up his own. aside from being the Vice President of SCAN, Ms. He then reached out to his relative, Ms. Rosemarie Kalata, who Monzon is also the Vice President of Sariaya 4J Development introduced him to Mr. Ding Gabriel and Engr. Felipe Obnial who Corporation, a business focusing on real estate, and at the same eventually became his business partners and thus is how Sariaya the Vice President for Administration of Colegio De Sto. Cristo De Cable Network (SCAN) came to be. Burgos.

presently, Ms. Mary Joyce Monzon, daughter of Mr. Ms. Mary Joyce Monzon holds a master’s degree in Manigbas, is the one handling the business operations as Mr. Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Manigbas is still recovering his health. Ms. Monzon is the Vice Restaurant Management. She is married to Fiscal Carlo De Luna- President of Sariaya Cable Network and she gladly accommodated Monzon and blessed with four children. us for this article. As a PCTA Member according to Ms. Monzon, SCAN had been providing the people of Sariaya with the latest cable TV technology through sariaya Cable Network had been a loyal PCTA member the years. For a monthly fee of Php350, subscribers receive 60 for the past seventeen years. According to Ms. Monzon, they have channels on their cable subscription. Presently, a total of fifteen become updated with the latest technologies and they also got full-time employees help them run the business smoothly. connected with different cable suppliers through the PCTA.

Ms. Monzon proudly noted that their community in any business, being the first in one’s location is always channel is receiving positive feedback from their subscribers an advantage. Add to that some serious hard work and innovation, since it features various points of interests in their town like the and the business is surely a stable one. miraculous Sto. Cristo de Brugos, town festivities, and even ballot

10 CABLE LINE The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. Cable BOSS 2013 CSMW Luzon and Visayas Held in Pampanga and Cebu by Billy C. Salcedo

Baby Zarate and Tim Bautista with Atty. G2 Paderanga Cable BOSS Team during CSMW Visayas Cable BOSS Team during CSMW Luzon

Tim Bautista, Baby Zarate, Rose Alzaga, Emmylou CB Executives with Delegates from Blackstone Cable Villasis and Grace Pedroso with CSMW Resource CSMW Luzon Raffle Winners TV and Kiamba MPC CATV Speaker, Francis Loseo

after the successful launch of the 2013 Cable Service DIVA Universal, CNN, Cartoon Network, Toonami, Cartoonito Marketing Workshop in Cagayan De Oro City last May, Cable and Martial Arts TV. Mr. Rene Esguerra, Country Manager BOSS held the last two legs of its road show in Widus Hotel, Clark for Philippines of Viacom International Media Networks also Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga on July 26 and at the graced the event to support the official network distributor for Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City on September 13, 2013, Nickelodeon and MTV. both gathering huge delegations from different Cable Affiliates from Luzon and Visayas. themed Fellowship Nights were held after the whole day seminars on both events. For the Luzon Leg, the theme Francis “Kiko” Loseo conducted a seminar and workshop was Toonami, an action-packed cartoon channel from Turner on Achieving Excellence through Motivation for the two events International featuring Animes, Superheroes as well as CGI Series focusing on the participants' potential and motivate them to like Star Wars Clone Wars. In Cebu, in line with the premiere of constantly strive for excellence in their work place. In Cebu, Atty. the first ever HBO Asia Original Series, Serangoon Road last Sept. Allan Macaraya of NTC Region VII gave a speech on behalf of Dir. 22, a Contemporary Asian themed party was held. The delegates Jesus M. Laureno and gave emphasis on the passing of the Cable and participants donned a mix of oriental and western ensembles Theft Bill while Atty. Goering “G2” Paderanga Jr., Philippine Cable giving the party a nostalgic ambiance. TV Association's VP for Visayas talked about the organization's efforts to reach out to it's members and the industry at large. He the 2013 Cable Service Marketing Workshops were all also invited the delegates to attend thePCTA 's technical seminars well attended and became a venue for meaningful discussions to be held in Davao and Cebu in the upcoming months and in the and seminars helping Cable BOSS affiliates in motivating their annual PCTA Convention in Pasay City next year. personnel to constantly strive for excellence. This makes us more excited to prepare for the 2014 CSMW! We hope to see our product and Channel presentations were also given affiliates again next year! during the two events. Engr. Edward Cheng of Ricklee Enterprises, 2013 CSMW Technical Partner, gave a very informative talk on For photos of our events, like us: facebook.com/CableBOSSPhil to hardware and software upgrades whileA manda Yang of Lightning stay updated on our event, follow us on twitter: @CableBOSSPhil. International conducted a presentation on Trace Urban and Trace Sports, Cable BOSS' newest channels featuring Music and Sports One Great Source. All Great Networks. in different perspective. The Cable BOSS Team also conducted product trainings on HBO, Cinemax, RED, Warner TV, Baby First,

CABLE LINE 11 From the BroadsheetS

NTC prepares rules on shift to Japan Internet theft now a standard crime

By Lawrence Agcaoili By Lailany P. Gomez The Philippine Star October 30, 2013 Manila Standard Today October 19, 2013 (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 30, 2013 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission The National Telecommunications (NTC) is set to issue a circular next month formalizing the country’s shift to digital technology using the Japanese standard. Commission on Friday released the implementing rules and regulations on NTC deputy commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said the agency would Republic Act 10515, or the Anti-Cable likely issue the memorandum circular for “Standard for Digital Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act Terrestrial Television (DTT) Broadcast Service” next month after of 2013. meeting with major players in the industry yesterday morning.

Cabarios pointed out the industry led by rivals ABS-CBN Corp. and The law prohibits the interception of GMA Network Inc. was well represented during yesterday’s public any signal or service offered by a cable hearing as the NTC executive conference room was jampacked. or Internet system by tapping or making He explained that the major players in the industry did not oppose connection to an existing network without the adoption of Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting- the authority of the connected service Terrestrial or ISDB-T standard “Nobody opposed the proposal to provider. adopt the Japanese or ISDB-T standard. The industry was well represented as the room was full,” he added. During the hearing, he said proponents made some clarification It also prohibits any mode of copying or on some provisions particularly on definitions in the proposed reproducing or selling any intercepted or memorandum circular received cable/Internet signal without proper authorization from the provider. “They wanted to clarify some definition in the circular. We have to study their comments as any change in the definition might restrict or expand the meaning,” he clarified. Prima face evidence of illegal tapping or reception for non-subscribers include According to him, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba will issue presence of cable, wires, connectors and the circular next month paving the way for the creation of a other equipment designed to intercept and technical working group that would craft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) starting December. receive cable/Internet signals. President Aquino announced after meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the Asean Meeting in Brunei last Violators will be meted an imprisonment of month that the Philippines was poised to pick the Japanese digital not less than two years but not more than TV standard.

but not more than P100,000 or both at the five years or a fine of not less than P50,000 discretion of the court.

12 CABLE LINE The Official Newsletter of THE PHILIPPINE CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION, INC. Strictly Technical

Cable Internet By Engr. Jesse Glenn Z. Thiam

How Cable Internet works? The Internet connection between subscriber and theISP is served by the Cable Television Infrastructure at their Headend. Basically appliances involved are DHCP server, TFTP server, Firewall/Network Address Translator (NAT), DistributionS witch, Cable Modem TerminationS ystem (CTMS) and a Two-way System Network. The Process of Redistributing Bandwidth provided by the ISP works as follow:

The ISP Public Address is a point to point communication betweenC able Operators and Internet Providers. The Cable Operators uses the private addresses in order to redistribute or reuse the public address logically because public addresses is usually limited to a very short range of IP’s, 2 to 6 for example. The goal of Cable Operator is to use the public address to the Local Area Network and vice versa, we all know private addresses can be used as many as we can, provided they are in different LAN. To understand the flow of Internet process please see picture above.

Continued on Page 14

CABLE LINE 13 From Page 13 The Firewall/NAT serves as the ISP terminating point, frequency range of 55 – 860 MHz when downloading, while beyond that they have no responsibility anymore for end in the upstream direction, the Cable Modem transmits a devices issue. The use of firewall is to permit or deny a frequency range of 5 – 42 MHz, 3.2 MHz Bandwidth with certain address to pass through the router to the LAN side. at least 8 to 50 dBmV Signal Level for transmission at 16 The Purpose of doing this is to avoid unwanted attacks QAM Modulation for example. Now the CMTS should from the outside WAN. Firewall is very crucial for system accept an ideal of 0 dBmV from the upstream direction. administrator because all traffic is using the same medium Once the CMTS and Cable Modem acquire a lock state it, therefore a systematic access-list must be applied. The will broadcast a request to a DHCP server located at the Network Address Translator (NAT) is a technology where Headend also known as Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), private address is translated to public address and vice versa when the DHCP server detect the cable modem request and by using the port numbering system also called as Many is to finds out that it is registered MAC address authenticated by one/Many is to many. To view some example, if the private the administrator, it will lease a dynamic Private IP address addresses ranges from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254 prefix directly to the CPE indicating the DNS and the default 24 will use a single public IP Address 112.90.0.1 prefix 30 gateway which is the LAN interface of the Router. Now the (Many is to One) it will indicate its port number beside the TFTP server will forward the configuration file for the Cable public address separated by colon (:) see table below: Modem. Once established, it will automatically direct all traffic fromCPE to WAN and vice versa. IP Address between Private Address Public Address Cable modem and Servers is different from the IP Address of CPE to Router this off course to ensure that packets are 192.168.0.1 112.90.0.1:1000 forwarded to the specific gateway to the WAN side. Virtual 192.168.0.2 112.90.0.1:1001 LAN is used in the switch in order to separate sub-networks 192.168.0.3 112.90.0.1:1002 to another; just to site some example in the above figure, 192.168.0.4 up to 112.90.0.1:1003 up to The Virtual LAN between Servers and Cable modem is 192.168.0.254 112.90.0.1:1253 isolated from traffic to the CPE. Just to imagine Virtual LAN is like a two switch separated physically combined into one As we can see all the LAN side is using the same public appliance. Therefore addressing of one switch is secluded address but the port numbers is incremented. Note: every to the other switch. port number is unique for specific private address to be translated to the WAN side. We did say that translation Other services may also apply to the Router for special addressing is to use many private addresses to one or purposes; one of it is the static IP addressing and Port limited public addresses but the main goal of doing this Address Translation (PAT). This is where point to point is to convert private IP to public IP and vice versa. Private communication is established between two peers with a Address cannot be transmitted to the WAN side because specific application.S taticIP addressing is leased to the CPE the ISP may also have the same private address range to permanently whenever they reboot their system they will other redistributors/subscriber so they drop the packets acquire the same IP address. The Advantage of doing this is, whenever they receive non-registered addresses. renewing of IP address is eliminated thus configuration in applications is maintained.T o site some example of staticIP The DHCP Server and TFTP Serves as an initialization of addressing application is theC lose Circuit Television (CCTV). cable modem to the subscriber in order to connect to the The viewer from the WAN side establish connection to the network. DHCP server provides the Private IP address pool CCTV in the LAN side by providing a static IP address from to the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and the cable the DHCP server and translated by the router with a specific modem. Whenever the Cable modem is turned on, Cable port number outside the WAN. Now the viewer will call the Modem and CMTS will communicate with each other to public address of the router and the port number indicated a acquire a stable connection for data transmission, the in the PAT. Port Address Translation will occur to direct the Downstream frequency range is from 55 – 860 MHz, that traffic directly to the specified static IP address of the CCTV is when the CMTS transmit to the Cable Modem with an system. For Cable Television Operator, this is considered as output of 50 – 61 dBmv, 6 MHz Bandwidth. The Cable a Value Added Service. Modem input level is from -15 to +15 dBmV with the same

14 CABLE LINE