SkyCable to End Cable Service and transitions to Fiber-Optic Internet Provider with the acquisition of PLDT [#K5NewsFMExclusive] (updated as final!!!)
QUEZON, MANILA -- Cable Pay-TV operator and Fiber-Optic internet service provider SkyCable Corporation had sadly announced on Thursday morning (January 18th, 2024 – Manila local time), per the acquisition of Philippine Long Distance Telephone company (PLDT) will go bid farewell to its cable TV service nationwide on Tuesday (February 27th, 2024 at 12:00mn). The said cable TV service will transition into a purely fiber-optic internet service provider, and it will cease its pay TV operations on that said date.
For those you don’t know… SkyCable Corporation (a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation), the Philippine’s largest media conglomerate in the country, has been a key player in the cable pay-TV industry since its establishment in June 1990 as Central CATV Inc. and later rebranded as SkyCable in late-January 1992. Over the years, it has provided millions of Filipino households have tuned in, with access to international content, live events and world news. However, in response to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements, SkyCable is embracing a new era of connectivity for the early millennium of generations.
(SCREENGRAB COURTESY: MySky website)
While SkyFiber, the fiber-optic internet service offered by SkyCable (now-defunct for its internet broadband service in the late-February 2021), will continue to thrive and cater to the growing needs of subscribers. With its unlimited, high-speed internet plans ranging from 4 MBPS to 100 MBPS (as previously stated in former internet pricing plans from Manila Bulletin), SkyFiber ensures seamless browsing, streaming, online activities and even an online class for students. Subscribers can also enjoy complimentary access to Sky On-Demand, an online video streaming platform featuring a wide array of Kapamilya Channel shows and movies (formerly as the ABS-CBN network). SkyFiber also has cable TV bundled plans that include HD channels and premium content.
SkyCable and SkyFiber are among the leading national providers of cable TV and fiber-optic internet in the Philippines, serving millions of subscribers in Metro Manila and other key cities, including right here in Central Visayas. They aim to deliver cost-efficient and seamless connectivity to their Filipino customers.
(SCANNED COPY via Felizardo de la Cruz Calimpong / Associated Labor Unions - Dumaguete District Office)
At the time of the announcement, the last cable bill on SkyCable for February 2024 is currently in development by next month and it needs to be settled for one last time with a total amount (which yet to-be-ceased cable pay-TV operations), but SkyFiber service will not be impacted, when it enters into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100% of SkyCable Corporation from Sky Vision Corporation, ABS-CBN Corporation and Lopez Inc. for PHP6.75B (nearly U$D120.8 million). Cable pay-TV subscribers of SkyCable suggests to the public is to switch ‘Cignal TV’ or any local cable pay-TV operator like 'FilProducts CATV’.
The last new advisory stated in part: “For more than 3 decades, SkyCable has served as the Filipino family’s window to the world, bringing sought-after international content, live events, world news and more. Throughout the years, you have been with us – entertained, informed and evolving with the shows and programs that we brought to your screens. We are truly grateful to you for making SkyCable a part of your home. As a token of gratitude for many years of patronage, we are opening up a selection of SKYcable channels for you and your family to enjoy until February 26, 2024 at no additional cost. Then, on the same date at 11:59pm, SkyCable will sign off and cease airing. We hope that SKYcable leaves you with great memories. Together, let’s welcome a brighter SKY ahead!”.
To ensure a seamless transition, SkyCable subscribers are not required to return their assigned Sky Digibox and other cable accessories to them after SkyCable ceases airing. Moreover, subscribers in selected areas in Metro Manila and other key cities or regions can enjoy a sneak preview of Cignal’s channel line-up at no extra cost from February 27th, 2024 to March 27th, 2024, by utilizing their existing SKY Digibox.
SkyFiber subscribers will continue to enjoy their fiber-optic internet service, saying that their plans remain separate from PLDT. SkyCable has 700,000 subscribers, controlling 45% of the cable market.
On Friday (January 19th, 2024), as reported exclusively with DWPM-AM’s Radyo 630: Manila and TeleRadyo Serbisyo… The PCC approves the acquisition between the PLDT and SkyCable Corporation.
(FILE PHOTO COURTESY: CityMall PH via FB PHOTO)
Our news team attempts in-person on our interview last Friday morning (January 26th, 2024), with the regional office of SkyCable, located within the premises of CityMall in North National Highway, Brgy. Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. However, they declined to provide any comment.
(FILE SCREENGRAB COURTESY: Google Maps)
Conversely, FilProducts Service Television Inc. (FPSTVi) situated in North National Highway, Brgy. Bantayan, within the same city and province, as well as POS Digital: Cignal TV Regional Office located in Dr. Vicente Locsin Street, Brgy. 3, also within Dumaguete City, the said province, have both exclusively shared their insights with K5 News FM and OneNETnews. In light of this, cable TV consumers are advised to consider switching to alternative cable providers like 'FilProducts' or 'Cignal TV' on or before February 27th, 2024.
(PHOTO COURTESY: FilProducts Dumaguete via FB PHOTO)
For the services of FilProducts Service Television Inc. (FPSTVi) between the Cable and Fiber Internet, a customer service representative named Ms. Flora revealed that the new subscribers of 'FilProducts' can avail the cable internet connections under the 'FilFiber' service. The plans range from PHP999 (roughly U$D18) for 25MBPS to PHP2,499 (nearly U$D45) for 200MBPS, with varying prices depending on the chosen plan.
Aside the former SkyCable subscribers, who were previously subscribed to SkyFiber or Converge, they can also avail of fiber-optic internet plans through 'FilFiber'. These plans may include cable internet and television services, as per exclusively advertised and featured on local FM and AM radio stations between DYGB-FM 91.7mhz's Power91FM and DYWC-AM 801khz's Radyo Bandilyo, which are the only media partners of FilProducts. The company also offers TeleRadyo Serbisyo (formerly DZMM TeleRadyo) for the latest national news, information and music on weekends at night in the Philippines. The local cable channel is available on Channel 50 in Negros Oriental, under the affiliated cable operator members of the Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association (PCTA).
Ms. Flora emphasizes the availability of FilFiber's unlimited internet and the 100+ channels offered by their local cable service in Dumaguete City. Additionally, viewers can enjoy additional HD channels, including the highly popular Kapamilya Channel (formerly ABS-CBN), which is available in high-definition (HD) on their platform.
(FILE SCREENGRAB COURTESY: Google Maps)
Meanwhile, a branch employee for POS Digital: Cignal TV regional office and the local encoder of PLDT-Negros Oriental chapter named Mr. Brian explained that the Cignal TV is now offered along with internet services by PLDT for 'SkyFiber'. He mentioned in a separate interview that SkyCable may have merged with Philippine Long Distance Telephone company, and this merger could bring some benefits. PLDT has a strong internet connection for 'SkyFiber', and SkyCable alone had good cable service.
"Subalit yun dito sa PLDT kasi, yung una na internet lang siya alone. So ngayon, meron siyang bago ngayon ng 'Cignal'. Yung dati, meron nato doon sa 'Cignal' pero nawala yun. Ang nangyari yung sa 'SkyCable', nag mi-merge na siguro sa PLDT. Bali yung 'SkyCable', nag o-offer nila, hindi lang naman sa internet tsaka sa kable ng telebisyon din. Kung sakali na mag ano sila Sir Rhayniel, mag-merge sila medyo may kagandahan na siguro. Kasi yun sa internet, malakas naman ang PLDT. Tapos yung sa Cable din, maganda yung kable na 'SkyCable' nila", Brian said in an exclusive interview in Tagalog dialect.
(SCREENGRAB COURTESY: Cignal TV website)
In terms of cable plans available in Negros Oriental, Cignal TV offers a range of options. The plans start at Plan 290 (or over U$D5), which includes 90+ channels and go up to Plan 1,650 (approximately U$D30), offering more than 120+ channels. Both local and national networks are included. When asked about favorite channels for TeleRadyo Serbisyo and Kapamilya Channel, Mr. Brian mentioned that Home Box Office (HBO), Global Media Arts (GMA) 7, and the defunct Alto Broadcasting System - Chronicle Broadcasting Network or ABS-CBN (now Kapamilya Channel) are available on Cignal TV. However, when it comes to TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Mr. Brian mentioned that it is not available on Cignal TV at the moment.
In closing, Mr. Brian assured that the transition from SkyCable to Cignal TV should not be a public cause for concern. PLDT, which has merged with SkyCable, is capable of providing excellent internet services, while Cignal TV is a reliable cable provider: "Kung 'Cignal' po, medyo nahihirapan kasi, 'SkyCable' sila tapos mawawala na po sila, nag mi-merge na silang PLDT. Siguro si PLDT, okay lang man. Si PLDT ngayon sa mga subscriber ng 'SkyCable'. Hindi naman silang masyadong lugi dun, kasi si PLDT na magpo-provide talaga siya ng best sa internet, tapos meron naman ngayon sa 'Cignal'. So bale, no worries po ang mga subscriber dahil, maganda na yun ang PLDT", he added. Brian emphasized that the subscribers have no need to worry as PLDT will ensure a smooth transition nationwide.
In response to concerns about the internet coverage as K5 News FM and OneNETnews have learned on both interviews, Mr. Brian highlighted that the PLDT has multiple upstream sites in Negros Oriental and continues to expand its coverage to reach areas that previously had limited internet access in most municipalities: "Working naman si PLDT, meron tayong maraming sites na naka-upstreams, yung mga lugar na hindi masyadong mapuntahan, noon ang mga internet pa, pinupuntahan na ng PLDT na sa mga linya para doon", he concluded.
With this on both sides, Flora and Brian encourage the affected SkyCable subscribers, to consider permanently switching either FilProducts or Cignal.
PLDT will officially integrate SkyFiber’s fiber-optic subscribers, while the cable TV segment on SkyCable will be absorbed automatically by Cignal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings under the PLDT group.
In the end as final, SkyCable’s decision to focus on fiber-optic internet services reflects a commitment to delivering cost-efficient and seamless connectivity to Filipino households. With its rich history and extensive reach, SkyCable remains a key player in shaping the future of the digital landscape in our own country.
You can hear a full audio interview from here.
PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Google Images
BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna
SOURCE:
*https://www.facebook.com/100064059666632/posts/784875246991124 [Referenced FB Relay Post via The JTV Network]
*https://www.facebook.com/groups/716293322523404/posts/1558106201675441/ [Referenced FB Relay Group Post via TVRO Happenings]
*https://theplatformnews.com/business/sky-cable-saying-goodbye/ [Referenced News Article via The Platform News]
*https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/01/17/mvp-lopez-group-clarify-bilyonaryo-com-report-pldts-planned-acquisition-of-sky-cable-still-under-review-by-anti-trust-watchdog/business/ [Referenced News Article via Bilyonaryo]
*https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/06/sky-fibers-new-super-speed-plans-deliver-on-cost-efficiency-and-seamless-internet-connectivity/ [Referenced News Article via Manila Bulletin]
*https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/03/17/2252242/pldt-takes-over-sky-cables-internet-business [Referenced News Article via The Philippine Star]
*https://www.facebook.com/100094088475887/posts/236872976125650 [Referenced FB News Article via DWPM-AM's Radyo 630: Manila]
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Cable_Corporation
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PLDT
*https://www.facebook.com/769066143178937/posts/4898816060203904 [Referenced FB Captioned FILE PHOTO via CityMall PH]
*https://cignal.tv/postpaid [Referenced Promotional Price Listings via Cignal TV]
and
*https://www.facebook.com/113703620172366/posts/867200802075707 [Referenced FB Banner PHOTO via FilProducs Dumaguete]
FINAL UPDATE (as of January 28th, 2024 at 5:10am in MNL): We are sad to say, it is legit confirmed on Friday morning via our FB Messenger and a textblast via SMS. Followed by the local interviews in Negros Oriental for switching either FilProducts or Cignal TV. At this moment, SkyCable Dumaguete had refused to give comment on our news team. Enjoy and thank you for your absolute patience.
