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Philippines ISDB-T:

MANILA – Globe Telecom Inc is firming up its venture into digital TV.

In a filing with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Bethlehem Holdings Inc said it is spending P200 million to roll out the digital TV service of Altimax Broadcasting Company Inc and Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media Inc (BEAM).

Globe owns Bethlehem Holdings, which in turn has a controlling interest in Altimax and BEAM. Altimax has licenses to operate direct broadcast satellite and multipoint multichannel distribution service wireless broadband and cable TV, while BEAM operates the free-to-air Channel 31.

According to Bethlehem Holdings’ filing, Altimax will upgrade its facilities in Baguio, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City, while BEAM will do the same for its equipment in Baguio, Cebu City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Naga City and Zamboanga City.

Bethlehem Holdings president Steve Macion said the capital spending is part of the company’s plan to build a commercial-grade broadcast network using the Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard.

The Philippines has adopted Japan’s ISDB-T standard for its shift to digital TV.

InterAksyon.com is the online news portal of TV5, which is part of the PLDT Group, Globe’s main rival in the telecom business.

(Source from http://www.interaksyon.com/business/109228/globe-firms-up-venture-into-digital-tv)