The pay television unit of ABS-CBN Corp. is accelerating capital expenditure next year for its foray into direct-to-home service.
ABS-CBN Group chief financial officer Rolando Valdueza told reporters Sky Cable Corp.’s capex for 2016 would be “slightly higher” than the P2 billion this year because of the broadband and its planned rollout of the DTH service.
“As soon as we get the license from NTC [National Telecommunication Communications] hopefully within the year, I think that’s the time we are ready to roll out the DTH,” Valdueza said.
Sky Cable saidin an earlier filing with the NTC said it would spend P252 million for the rollout of direct broadcast satellite service across 251 cities and municipalities.
Also known as “direct-to-home,” DBS transmits signals to subscribers using satellite. Four companies are licensed to operate direct-to-home services, namely Cignal, Dream Satellite TV and GSat.
The Philippine Cable Television Association, TV5 Network Inc. and Dream Satellite TV have opposed Sky Cable’s bid to offer DTH, citing violation on monopolies law.