Stiff competition is expected in the pay TV market with Converge ICT Solutions Inc.’s planned commercial rollout nationwide of its direct-to-home (DTH) services within the year.
Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge chief executive officer and co-founder, told reporters last week the company has allocated P100 million to P150 million for the rollout of DTH nationwide which is part of its estimated capital expenditure of P15 billion this year.
Uy, who started the cable TV business in Pampanga before venturing into internet services, still has a broadcast franchise which includes DTH services.
Currently, the company is conducting the test and will launch the service this year. “Yes, full rollout (within the year), we are testing,” said Uy.
The price offering is expected to be lower than the competition.
Uy said the pay TV will be bundled with its fiber broadband services, with additional fees of P99, P200 and P500 per month.
Uy was also asked whether Converge is keen to acquire Sky Cable Corp. after ABS-CBN Corp.’s deal with PLDT Inc. did not push through.
“Let’s see if something happens. If our intervention and help is needed, we’re open to protect the Filipino consumer, to transform them to better technology,” Uy said.
Following the failed deal, Sky Cable announced that it will continue operating its cable TV service and that its SkyFiber service remains unaffected..
