Post by tioamazon on Oct 9, 2020 20:24:11 GMT
Cignal (pronounced as signal) is a Philippine satellite television and IPTV provider, owned by Cignal TV Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the MediaQuest Holdings Inc. under the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund. Cignal's prepaid electronic loading system is powered by Smart Communications, Inc. Cignal uses VideoGuard encryption system to protect its content from signal piracy. It uses the SES-7 satellite to provide optimal coverage directly to the target markets
Prior to the launch, the PLDT group had already intended to establish its own satellite television service after its media arm MediaQuest Holdings sold its stake in Beyond Cable Holdings to the Lopez Group, and a failed attempt on the acquisition of Philippine Multimedia Systems, Inc. (PMSI, owner of Dream Satellite TV) from businessman and then-PLDT chairman Antonio "Tonyboy" O. Cojuangco.
Using the satellite broadcasting franchise of Mediascape (formerly GV Broadcasting System), the new service was named Cignal and formally began its operations on February 1, 2009. PLDT spend PH₱1 billion for the rollout of the service.
During its first years, Cignal transmitted its broadcast with over 20 SD channels and HD channels via NSS-11 satellite transponder service. In 2015, Cignal has been reached 1 million subscribers.
At present, Cignal competes in the DTH service against Sky Cable Corporation's Sky Direct, as well as G Sat.