Cavite-based Internet Service Provider Streamtech, previously called Planet Cable is now the new telco player holding a 25-year Congressional franchise under Republic Act. No. 11089, series of 2018, and was granted the right to operate and maintain nationwide and international gateway facilities, wired and wireless telecommunications systems, international and national broadband systems, mobile and cellular multichannel multipoint distribution systems, to name a few.
Streamtech has established strong peering with Tier 1 global internet upstream providers, most especially those in the Asia-Pacific and United States routes. Having its international point of presence has allowed Streamtech to easily expand capacity to multiple Gigabit connectivity. Localized content and peering add to its network strength, making it easier to deliver good connections using a fully meshed metro ethernet supporting fiber reach.
Moreover, it has secured a direct partnership with one of the leading international telco equipment manufacturers, with the latter being the technology partner for its network equipment as well as its fiber to the home access technology.
Streamtech is in the process of taking over the internet systems operations of Planet Cable, Inc., a multi-system operator offering cable TV services, cable-Internet, and digital video broadcast.
From Planet ‘s humble beginnings in 2000, Streamtech’s intended takeover of its positions the latter to also be one of the biggest and technically advanced cable systems in the country. With its own fiber optic backbone link, Planet is now capable to provide bandwidth and dedicated internet access, leased line, CCTV and WIFI services to residential, commercial, and industrial users in its franchise areas.
Hence, the latter’s operations in Luzon (Regions I, III, NCR, and CALABARZON), Visayas (Iloilo Province, Guimaras), and Mindanao (Davao) will soon be under Streamtech.
In October 2018, Streamtech obtained a 25-year franchise to operate a nationwide telecommunication system but it dropped out of the race of becoming the third telco in the Philippines. Streamtech was among the 10 companies that bought bid documents for the third telco slot.
“After extensive discussions by management, Streamtech has decided not to proceed with the current bidding for the third telco and focus on our internal expansion programs and strategies,” said Manuel Paolo Villar, chair of Streamtech’s parent company, Prime Asset Ventures Inc., back in 2018.
In 2019, Villar, told reporters in a recent interview that they have applied for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which will allow the company to launch a nationwide broadband service.
In July 2020, with the abrupt digitalization of almost everything, Villar made the announcement to formally launch its telco— Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc.—that will take over the internet systems operations of Planet Cable Inc.
“We have high hopes of providing internet services to the farthest reach possible, also in line with our commitment to provide high quality services to Filipinos across the country. We are very confident that we can greatly boost the internet experience of our existing and future customers,” Villar, the founder of PAVI, said.
Streamtech initially offers services such as fixed broadband for residential and SMEs, Direct Internet Access, and Metro E connectivity for enterprises.