ABS-CBN’s iWant TV Partners with Smart and PLDT

More Filipinos can finally enjoy their favorite Kapamilya shows, specials, and movies at their own pace and time as ABS-CBN and PLDT partner to offer iWant TV, ABS-CBN’s pioneering video-on-demand service, to PLDT and Smart subscribers.

ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and president and CEO Carlo Katigbak signed an agreement with PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan to enable more Filipinos to enjoy ABS-CBN content using their gadgets or smartphones by subscribing to PLDT or Smart promo packages that offer iWant TV starting November 2016.

“The strategic partnership between ABS-CBN and PLDT underscores our vision to make our content available online to more Filipinos,” said Katigbak.

Launched in 2007, iWant TV is the leading source of local content online with over 6 million subscribers and an average of 27 million monthly page views on the website and 16 million screen views on the iOS and android iWant TV app. It offers both on-demand and catch-up viewing of an extensive library of ABS-CBN programs, local and foreign movies, and original content inspired by hit Kapamilya shows. With this partnership, PLDT and Smart users may access the service starting November by subscribing to PLDT and Smart’s consumer promo packages.

ABS-CBN is home to the nation’s top-rating TV programs, box-office films, and best-selling books and music. With the ability to harness the latest in technology and innovation, the company is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties. ABS-CBN was also first in the country to offer content online and on mobile, and even pioneered digital television in the nation.

Currently, ABS-CBN’s digital products include TFC.tv, a video-on-demand service for Filipinos abroad; One Music PH, a website that offers a total experience of Filipino music including digital concerts; and NoInk, a multimedia reading app, among others.

iWant TV is one of the fastest growing digital properties of ABS-CBN. Its subscriber growth increased 58% to 6 million in August 2016 from 3.8 million in August 2015. There was also nine percent growth in revenues posted in August 2016 vs August 2015.

ABS-CBN’s iWant TV is the first and only over-the-top (OTT) service in the country that delivers content via the internet without a fixed monthly subscription fee. It also continues to innovate by offering users 360° videos. For its initial offering, users can get an exclusive 360° immersive look of the iconic Pinoy Big Brother house.

Mellissa Limcaoco, head of ABS-CBN’s digital transformation division, said there is more in store for iWant TV subscribers in the coming months.

“We are excited to bring our Kapamilyas new and immersive experiences of our well-loved stories on iWant TV anytime, anywhere. The goal is empowering them with accessibility and widest content options on iWant TV that ring true to our company’s mission to be in the service of the Filipino,” she added.

Joining them in announcing the partnership were ABS-CBN Group CFO Ron Valdueza, ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado, ABS-CBN finance head for roadcast, news & current Affairs, and access groups Cat Lopez, ABS-CBN head for content on Mobile and OTT Anna Rodriguez-Dela Cruz, PLDT executive vice president for consumer business Ariel Fermin, PLDT first vice president for home business Oscar Reyes Jr., and PLDT first vice president for wireless consumer division Katrina Luna-Abelarde.

ABS-CBN reported P20.9 billion consolidated revenue for the first half of 2016, bringing its net income to P2.1 billion, 76% higher compared to the same period last year. The company reported higher second quarter revenues of P11.2 billion, 20% higher than the revenues generated during the first quarter of this year.