‘Valuable partner’: Cable operators group voice support for ABS-CBN franchise renewal

MANILA--A nationwide group composed of cable TV and internet service providers on Wednesday said it supports the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN.

In a statement, the Philippine Cable and Telecommunication Association (PCTA) said ABS-CBN has been a “valuable partner in the cable TV industry in bringing together the Filipino people news, education and entertainment.”

“We find it most unfortunate that the cease and desist order has come out during the greatest health crisis our nation has known and when information dissemination is most important,” PCTA said.

“We pray that the officials in charge can make the decision that is the best for the nation.”

The group counts some of the largest cable TV operators and independent ISPs in the country.

Another group, the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) earlier said it opposed ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal saying the company’s TV Plus digital TV box and KBO pay-per-view service were driving its members out of business.

The FICTAP said TV Plus and KBO violated the terms of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

But during a Senate in hearing in February, the Department of Justice said ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise authorized the network to introduce a pay-per-view (PPV) feature.

The NTC said the broadcast firm’s supposed violation merited only a fine of P200.