ABS-CBN to lure more mobile subscribers via exclusive shows

MANILA, Philippines — ABS-CBN Corp. is looking to get more mobile subscribers by offering exclusive shows.

In a statement, ABS-CBN head of access Charles Lim said the company is launching the ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives to deliver content in short format and straight to every mobile phone. 

“These exclusive offerings are targeted towards a digital-savvy and mobile audience, available to ABS-CBNmobile prepaid and postpaid subscribers,” he said.

To enable mobile users’ continuous access to the new exclusive content as well as call, text, and data services, ABS-CBNmobile has also bundled the content offerings on a postpaid plan called “Bida Ka Plan.”

Priced at P499, the plan offers 2GB data, plus 200MB data for full access to iWant TV, 12-month free access to KBO movies, all-month calls to ABS-CBNmobile, 30 minutes of calls to Globe or TM, and all-month text messages to all networks.

“This way, subscribers get a good deal and value for money. Our new plans offer continuous access to these shows and KBO, wherever they are and whenever they want it,” Lim said.

“They can consume the content during long lines at malls, during long commutes, and even as they travel to the provinces,” he said further.

Users can access ABS-CBNmobile Exclusives on the website via a smartphone, personal computer, laptop, or tablet. 

The move to offer exclusive content to mobile subscribers is in line with ABS-CBN’s transition into a digital company.

Earlier, ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado said the company intends to come up with a mobile strategy to generate revenues from its content.

“Definitely, ABS-CBN has to have a mobile strategy in order to maximize the revenue potential of our content in as many platforms as possible including the mobile platform,” Cerrado said.

ABS-CBN, which is primarily engaged in television, radio broadcasting and production of programs, launched its mobile business in 2013 through a partnership with Globe Telecom Inc.

Under the partnership, Globe provides the capacity and coverage on its cellular mobile telephony network, while ABS-CBN pays a fee for its use.

As of the end of September, ABS-CBN’s mobile business had 946,000 subscribers.