PLDT set to acquire satellite TV operator

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is set to acquire a direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television provider in the country, an executive of the largest telecom company said.
Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president, said the telco is in the course of technical documentation to acquire GV Broadcasting Systems Inc., a licensed DTH satellite television.

GV Broadcasting has a congressional franchise to install, maintain and operate nationwide broadcasting stations in the Philippines and such other systems, facilities or structures for origination, reception, processing, broadcast audio or video information. “It will be very soon,” he told reporters. Nazareno further said only “few minor details” have to be completed before the signing of an agreement takes place.

GV Broadcasting also has a pending application before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to offer digital mobile TV and Internet protocol TV (IPTV). For its digital mobile TV, GV Broadcasting plans to serve 35 areas nationwide, namely Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and the cities of Angeles, Iloilo, Bacolod, Lucena, Tagaytay, Antipolo, Batangas, Marinduque, Roxas, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, San Fernando in La Union, Urdaneta, Tugegarao, Santiago, Cabanatuan, Tarlac and Olongapo.

The PLDT executive, however, failed to disclose how much the acquisition would cost, and the time frame for the transaction. The telco earlier said it will acquire Philippine Global Communications Inc., an Internet data services company.

Manila Times
By Darwin G. Amojelar