Converge eyes Sky Cable following PLDT split
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
As Converge ICT Solutions Inc. gears up for a bigger pay TV presence, the listed internet service provider’s founder has expressed openness in engaging with Sky Cable Inc. after its sale to PLDT Inc. was aborted.
Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and cofounder of Converge, told reporters last week that if the opportunity to invest in the ABS-CBN Corp. unit presented itself, the company would be interested.
“If our intervention and help are needed, we’re open,” Uy said in a mix of Filipino and English, noting their modern technology could bode well for the existing subscribers of the cable company.
Last week, ABS-CBN announced it would no longer sell Sky’s P6.75-billion broadband business and related assets to PLDT for unknown reasons even after securing regulatory approval from the Philippine Competition Commission.
Sky had planned to cease pay TV operations by Feb. 26.
Converge chief operations officer Jesus Romero previously said they were ready to take on board customers who would be left hanging from Sky’s exit.
Still, Uy said they were preparing to fully roll out a pay TV product nationwide this year. It is currently being tested in Pampanga where Uy started his cable business.
The Converge founder said they have about 18 years left in their 25-year franchise allowing to operate broadcast and related businesses.
In 2021, Converge launched Vision—an internet protocol TV (IPTV)—in partnership with affiliate cable company Pacific Kabelnet Holding Co. Inc. IPTV is a way of streaming TV content via the internet.
IPTV provides viewers up to 140 channels, including local and international TV channels such as PTV, TV5, GMA, Phoenix Chinese Channel, Warner TV, Nick Jr. and USA Today.
Last year, it also launched BlastTV, a TV streaming platform, in partnership with local media company Tap Digital Media Ventures Corp.
The streaming platform is available to all Converge subscribers for free. It is bundled with internet deals.
Aside from movies and TV series, the portal also has sports channels such as Sports+, Golf+, Fight Ticket, Cue, BlastFC, UFC TV, Outdoor Channel and USA Today Sports.
Converge made its foray into online streaming business amid changing viewing behavior given the rise of over-the-top platforms like Netflix and Disney+. INQ
