SkyCable denies 'sabotage' vs GMA signal

MANILA - Cable channel provider SKY Cable Corp., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, denied on Friday that it intentionally disrupted the signal of rival network GMA-7 during the airing of its noontime show.

In a statement, SkyCable said the complaint filed by GMA Network before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to investigate "irresponsible acts" by the service provider does not have basis.

"The complaint of GMA-7 with the NTC last August 25, 2015, regarding shortchanging of our SkyCable subscribers via irresponsible acts, is a malicious accusation and is without basis," SkyCable said.

"If there were service interruptions that inconvenienced some of our subscribers, these were isolated and would have affected other channels, not only GMA-7," it added.

The service provider also said it is willing to cooperate with any investigation conducted by the NTC.

"To all our valued customers and stakeholders, we commit to take all necessary measures to give you the best service you deserve and continue working round-the-clock to minimize and immediately resolve any service interruptions in the future," it said.

GMA Network alleged that the signal loss experienced by its viewers violated the Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Cable Television Systems in the Philippines.

ABS-CBN is the parent company of SkyCable and ABS-CBNnews.com.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Free live screenings of Pacquiao match in Yolanda-hit areas

"We know how much of an inspiration Manny Pacquiao is to all Filipinos. We thought it was fitting that our kapamilyas who have shown a tremendous, resilient spirit in the face of great adversity, should see our national boxing hero in action," said SkyCable COO Ray Montinola in a statement.

The Sky viewing stations will be located in the following venues:

1. Tacloban, Leyte (2 locations)
a. Astrodome
b. Capitol grounds
2. Ormoc, Leyte - Town plaza, near old City hall
3. Guiuan, Samar - Town plaza
4. Estancia, Iloilo - Town plaza, near Municipal hall
5. Concepcion, Iloilo - Town plaza, near Municipal hall
6. Medellin, Cebu - Town plaza

Montinola said Sky viewing stations were put up starting November 15, "so people in the Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas will have access to information and entertainment, via ABS-CBN, ANC, and Cartoon Network, despite widespread power outages."

"Since then, we've received appreciative responses from the residents there, adults and children alike, as they're made aware of the ongoing relief efforts and also get to enjoy a much-needed respite from their difficult situation after the typhoon."

In its 8 a.m. update on Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the death toll from super typhoon "Yolanda" now stands at 5,235 and at least 1,613 remain missing.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

SkyCable sets P1-billion capex for 2012

MANILA - The Philippines' largest cable TV operator is spending P1 billion this year to complete the transfer of its subscribers to the digital format.

SkyCable Corp., which has 700,000 subscribers, recently acquired Destiny Cable Inc., which has 180,000 subscribers, giving the group a 45 percent share of the Philippine cable TV market. The transaction cost the Lopez group P3.5 billion, which would be financed through equity and borrowings.

“Even with Destiny, our capex won’t change. We are maintaining it at roughly P1 billion which is about the same as last year,” said Carlo Katigbak, SkyCable managing director.

The Lopez-owned company has converted 95 percent of its Metro Manila subscribers to the digital format. “Hopefully, by end of the year the shift from regular cable TV to digital TV would have reached 100 percent,” Katigbak said.

source: interaksyon.com