More than 10,000 movies and TV shows, including titles from Sony and Warner Bros, will soon be accessed by Globe Telecom’s subscribers for Php199 a month.
Under a partnership with HOOQ, Asia’s latest video on-demand service, Globe customers get unlimited online streaming access and offline viewing option to movies and TV series and shows anywhere, anytime.
Content can be downloaded in any of five Internet-enabled devices including computers, smartphones and tablets, for only P199 a month. It will also be offered through the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.
A start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros, HOOQ is based in Singapore and is under the helm of Peter G. Bithos, former Globe Chief Operating Advisor, as founding Chief Executive Officer. HOOQ’s overall operations in the Philippines will be handled by Jane Cruz-Walker as Country Manager.
“The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love for local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,” said Bithos. “Our partnership with Globe helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Filipino video content across all devices.”
Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon.
“The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,” said Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. “HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.”
Now a pastime for Filipino digital consumers
According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video on-demand, the second highest penetration of Internet TV in the region at 71%.
“We see the video on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom.
Through HOOQ, customers can choose and watch Hollywood movies including titles from partners Sony Pictures and Warner Bros,; and local film and TV content through partnerships with ABS-CBN, GMA, Regal Entertainment, and Viva Communications.
HOOQ will be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its Web site – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos they want and pay for the subscription through credit card. In the next few weeks, HOOQ will announce bundled services which will be offered to video-viewing public.