FLASH REPORT: ABS-CBN Corporation and PLDT refuse Sky Corps sale
QUEZON, MANILA -- A joint decision, yet between ABS-CBN Corporation and PLDT to terminate the planned sale of 'Sky Corporation' has sent ripples through the telecommunications industry in the Philippines. The sudden announcement was made on Thursday (February 22nd, 2024 -- Manila local time), just days before the scheduled transition of Sky Corporation's cable operations to a fiber-optic internet-only service under 'SkyFiber', has raised questions and uncertainties about the future of all parties involved.
The termination of the sale worth PHP6.8B (or nearly U$D121.3M), as approved by the anti-trust watchdog Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) describes as a "mutual decision" between the two (2) conglomerates, citing undisclosed reasons for the abrupt change of plans. This unexpected turn of events disrupts strategic shift towards internet-based services in fiber-optic business, leaving its future trajectory in limbo.
As a subsidiary of the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN Corporation (per national broadcasting arm of 'Kapamilya Channel'), Sky Corporation was poised for a significant transformation under PLDT's ownership with Mr. Manny Velez Pangilinan, with the potential to leverage PLDT's expertise and resources in the telecommunications sector. However, with the deal now off the table, the company faces uncertainty and a reevaluation of its business strategy moving forward.
The telecommunications landscape in the Philippines evolves rapidly, with a growing emphasis on digital and internet-based fiber services. The failed sale of Sky Corporation raises questions about the strategic priorities of both conglomerates in response to these market dynamics and competitive pressures.
Between these conglomerate companies haven't provided enough information about why they ended their deal, which has caused stakeholders and industry experts to wonder about the reasons behind this decision. This situation emphasizes the difficulties and uncertainties that come with corporate transactions (both the Cable TV and Fiber Internet bill) in fast-paced industries like telecommunications. It shows the challenges that companies encounter when trying to navigate strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
Sky Corporation will reassess its options and navigates the aftermath of the failed sale, the industry will be closely watching how the company adapts to the changing landscape and positions itself for future growth and success. Cable and Fiber Internet services between SkyCable and SkyFiber will continue, beyond the aside final cable operations deadline. The termination of the deal serves as a heartfelt reminder of the unpredictable nature of business transactions and the need for agility and resilience in today's competitive business environment.
STOCK PHOTO and LOGOS COURTESY via Google Images
BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna
SOURCE:
*https://www.mysky.com.ph/sky-pldt [Referenced Editoral Post via MySkyPH website]
*https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/2/22/abs-cbn-corp-statement-on-sky-cable-pldt-deal-921 [Referenced News Article #1 via ABS-CBN News]
*https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/2/22/sky-cable-pldt-deal-not-pushing-through-816 [Referenced News Article #2f via ABS-CBN News]
*https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/02/22/mutual-decision-lopez-mvp-ditch-pldts-p6-8-billion-takeover-of-skycable-a-month-after-pcc-greenlight/business/ [Referenced News Article via Bilyonaryo]
*https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/22/pldt-abs-cbn-terminate-p6-75-b-sky-cable-sale [Referenced News Article via Manila Bulletin]
*https://www.facebook.com/100064957951102/videos/926194638811761/ [Referenced FB VIDEO via ABS-CBN News]
*https://www.facebook.com/100064957951102/posts/819443796897545 [Referenced FB Captioned Post via ABS-CBN News]
*https://www.facebook.com/100053370129750/posts/931710541951275 [Referenced FB PHOTO via SkyCable]
*https://www.facebook.com/100094088475887/posts/255898304223117 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO #1 via Radyo 630: Manila]
and
*https://www.facebook.com/100094088475887/posts/255853794227568 [Referenced FB Captioned PHOTO #2f via Radyo 630: Manila]
-- OneNETnews Team
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PLDT Group expands mental health awareness to indigenous communities
Pastor Benny Capuno, a tribal leader in Porac, Pampanga, knows all too well the great distress his Ayta community goes through when an earthquake strikes. In April 2019, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake devastated Porac, affecting hundreds and killing 10, five of whom were from the Ayta community. For Capuno, it reminded him and the community of the fragility of life, especially as when the same town was devastated by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. It also reminded him of the mental well-being of those who survived.
So when the community partnered with PLDT and Smart, they co-developed a Psychological First Aid Program that catered to the mental health needs of the community. According to Capuno, the Psychological First Aid Training enhanced the awareness of the community to better address future psychological needs.
Capuno serves as a mamuun or tribal leader of the Indigenous People’s Political Structures in CADT 123 or the ancestral domain of the Ayta MagIndi and Ayta MagAntsi in Porac, Pampanga.
“Malaking pasalamat namin kasi natuto kami na kami mismo meron pala kaming kakayanan. Natuto kami kung paano makinig, ‘yung paano namin labanan ‘yung nagaganap at tsaka natutunan namin kung ano ‘yung kahulugan ng mga nagaganap [sa amin] at paano namin mapagtagumpayan at mas mapalakas pa. Natuto kami sa parte na iyon at kami mismo, kaya naming lagpasan ang mga ganitong sitwasyon,” Capuno said. (We are really grateful because we learned that we also have the capacity [to address the mental health needs of our community]. [Through the training] we learned how to listen. We learned that we can fight the difficult things that are happening to us. We learned to understand the meaning of what is happening around us and how we can overcome and strengthen these. We learned in those aspects, and we now we know that we, ourselves, can overcome these situations.)
“‘Yun ang doon sa mga pangyayaring pagkaba, takot, at ‘yung kamalayan ay natutunan namin – bagong kamalayan sa amin. Masaya kami dahil natutunan namin ‘yung akala namin ‘yung pag-aaral ng kalusugang pang-sikolohikal ay natutunan namin na akala namin, hindi puwede sa amin. Pero ngayon pala, puwedeng puwede. At kami mismo pala ay puwedeng makapagsagawa ng ganoon,” Capuno added. (Those situations [where we experience] nervousness [and] fear, we learned some awareness – it was a new awareness for us. We are very happy because we are open to learning new awareness and that we learned more about the psychological health care because we thought it was something that we cannot learn ourselves, but then, we learned how it’s possible. That it is possible for us to do it and it is possible for us to implement this kind of initiative.)
Promoting mental health strength as fundamental to digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3 that stands for good health and well-being.
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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]
-- OneNETnews Team
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.
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