MANILA - ABS-CBN Corp said Thursday it was testing a Wi-Fi capable version of its digital TV device, which has helped it expand its ratings lead.

The Wi-Fi enabled TVPlus could come with a dongle or a SIM card. The device also functions as a router, said ABS-CBN chief finance officer Aldrin Cerrado.

Wireless internet connectivity will allow ABS-CBN to push content easier to the "black box," similar to Apple TV, Cerrado said.

If tests go well, Cerrado said the service would be rolled out by the end of the year.

There was no immediate word on pricing. The current TVPlus retails for P1,499 and offers clear sound and picture and access to premium channels and content on demand.

TVPlus allowed ABS-CBN to raise its audience share in Mega Manila to 36 percent this year from 30 percent in 2015, the network said, citing data from Kantar Media.

Ratings in Mega Manila also rose to 14 percent from 11 percent during the same period, the company added.