ABS-CBN CORP. said on Wednesday it has sold a cumulative total of 6.1 million units of its TVplus boxes as of October, over three years since the media giant launched its digital terrestrial television (DTT) service in 2015.
In a statement, ABS-CBN cited a Kantar Media survey conducted in August that found an increasing number of Filipinos were watching television using DTT.
The survey showed that in Metro Manila, 71.6% of non-cabled households own a ABS-CBN TVplus box, from 55% in the same month in 2017. In Mega Manila, DTT penetration stood at 64.7% of non-cabled homes in August, from 44% the previous year.
ABS-CBN also noted that DTT penetration is growing significantly in the suburbs, with 57% of non-cabled households now watching television with TVplus boxes from only 33% in the same month last year.
“The continuous migration of viewers from analog to digital shows their eagerness to enjoy the life-changing benefits of ABS-CBN TVplus that include clear TV viewing, crisp sound, more exclusive channels, and an affordable pay-per-view service with no monthly fees,” the company said.
ABS-CBN was the first local broadcast company to switch from analog to DTT, amid the government’s plan to phase out analog television in five years.
“ABS-CBN, which is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company, is also leading the country’s departure from analog following the government’s mandate for all broadcasting companies to migrate to digital TV before 2023,” it said.
In March, ABS-CBN Chief Financial Officer Aldrin M. Cerrado told reporters the company’s goal was to hit at least six million units sold by the end of the year.
Rival network GMA Network, Inc. said in May it is also working on a digital television device with an investment of P700 million. The first phase of its shift to digital television started last year when it launched signals in select locations including Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan and Pampanga. — Denise A. Valdez
