Singaporean telco Singtel’s TV customers and rival StarHub’s TV+ subscribers can now receive free-to-air content from the country’s national media outfit Mediacorp via their respective streaming services.
Previously, only Singtel TV subscribers with the appropriate set-top box equipment and StarHub subscribers with set-top boxes who used the telco’s broadband service were able to access FTA channels on their TVs. FTA content in Singapore is also accessible through Mediacorp’s video streaming service, mewatch.
However, from now on all Singtel customers, as well as StarHub’s TV+ customers using set-top boxes, regardless of subscription plans, will be able to watch Mediacorp’s Channel 5, Channel 8, Channel U, Suria, Vasantham and CNA through their respective OTT platforms. The channels have been automatically activated and no action or cost is required on the part of Singtel and StarHub’s customers.
Singapore’s activist media and comms regulator the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) welcomed the development, adding that it had worked closely with the players to enable it.
Anil Nihalani, head of digital products and technology, Mediacorp, said: “Mediacorp’s linear FTA channels are very popular amongst viewers in Singapore. We are pleased that these channels are now available to Singtel’s and StarHub’s TV+ customers on their respective streaming platforms. In addition to being able to enjoy our wide range of Mediacorp-produced and acquired programmes on mewatch, they will now have the added convenience of accessing our content directly through their respective service provider’s apps and set-top boxes.”
Terence Lai, VP for consumer products and partnership, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said: “Singtel is committed to giving our customers the best selection of content on their choice of media platforms, whether on the big screen at home, or on-the-go via our one-stop app for all digital content, Singtel CAST. We are pleased to collaborate with Mediacorp to bring the latest stories from our little red dot anywhere, anytime, to all our customers, with Singapore’s widest and fastest1 5G network.”
Yann Courqueux, VP of home product, StarHub, said: “We welcome the addition of FTA content on StarHub TV+, which will unlock greater convenience for customers to access linear channels on their set-top boxes. This is another step forward in our mission to provide an ever-expanding catalogue of entertainment, that is all integrated with the ease of a single subscription.”
Ong Tong San, Senior Director of Market Access and Competition Development, IMDA, said, “IMDA is glad that the operators have made FTA channels available on their digital OTT platforms, to enable consumers to now also enjoy FTA content on these platforms. IMDA has been working closely with Mediacorp, Singtel and StarHub. This collaboration will also enable better understanding of and cater to changing consumer preferences and bring FTA content to OTT customers.”