Roku agrees deal with Philippines telco PLDT

Roku 4

Philippines-based PLDT has become the first Asian telecom operator to join the Roku Powered programme.

PLDT will use Roku’s streaming platform to offer TV services to broadband customers, with a new PLDT streaming service and player expected to launch during the second quarter of 2017.

This service will include local Philippines content from Cignal and Iflix alongside content from global providers.

“In the past, operators first had to build or lease dedicated infrastructure in order to deliver TV services to the home, but with streaming that is no longer the case. As a result, we see a lot of interest from all over the world for our Roku Powered program from both telecom and pay TV operators,” said Andrew Ferrone, vice-president, pay TV at Roku.

“With its fast fiber and DSL infrastructure, PLDT is in a perfect position to leverage the Roku streaming platform and quickly deploy a proven, low-cost, turn-key solution and launch an innovative TV service to its broadband customers.”

Oscar Reyes Jr., PLDT first vice-president and head of home operations said: “The Roku Powered program allows PLDT to expand its offerings to consumers to be a leader in OTT in the Philippines. We’ll be able to offer consumers a low-cost device with access to the best content from the Philippines and around the world through an easy-to-use user interface.”

PLDT is the fifth and latest operator to join the Roku Powered scheme, which streaming device provider Roku launched at IBC in 2014.

Operators that sign up to the programme can now choose between a streaming player or hybrid streaming and over-the-air set-top box that includes a tuner.

Sky UK was the first operator to launch this new hybrid set-top box, named the Now TV Smart Box, recently in the UK.