Singtel Expands Channel Offering

SINGAPORE: Singaporean IPTV platform Singtel TV has added 18 channels to its lineup, including the Discovery Networks Asia Pacific factual portfolio, ITV Choice and a number of services from India and the Philippines.

Singtel TV has eight Discovery channels on offer, with seven in HD: Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World, Discovery Science, DMAX, Eve and TLC. “For close to 20 years, Discovery has informed and entertained Singapore viewers with the highest quality content about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement," said Enrique R. Martinez, acting president and managing director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. "We are thrilled that the full suite of Discovery factual entertainment channels is now available to Singtel TV customers. The timing of the launch is perfect as we are rolling out an exciting slate of content and a whole host of fun-filled activities which are part of the SG50 celebrations."

In related news, Discovery has renewed its carriage deal with cable operator StarHub. "Since the launch of Discovery Channel on StarHub TV 20 years ago, StarHub’s carriage of the Discovery portfolio has grown from one channel to a bouquet of eleven," the companies said in a joint statement. "From compelling factual content that informs and inspires to the excitement of live sporting events, we are dedicated to nourishing the ever-increasing appetite of StarHub’s diverse group of customers. As our partnership progresses to the next level, viewers can look forward to a wider spectrum of offerings such as more high definition, multi-screen and 4K content in the coming years."

Also being added to Singtel—which now has 190 channels to offer—are the classical music service Mezzo Live HD and the British entertainment brand ITV Choice. "We are delighted to be back in Singapore with Singtel as our partner and we are looking forward to bringing the home of great British drama and entertainment to viewers on Singtel TV," said Nic van Zwanenberg, ITV Choice's channel director. "Our new and improved schedule means Singaporean viewers no longer have to wait for their favorite shows and they can engage in all the social media conversations around our high rating content as viewers of ITV Choice do in other parts of the world."

A number of Asian services have been added to Singtel. There's the Japanese service Wakuwaku Japan; Astro's Tamil channel Astro Vinmeen HD; and the Indian channels Gemini TV and Gemini Movies, in Telugu, and Kiran TV and Surya TV, in Malayalam. From the Philippines, meanwhile, Singtel has added The Filipino Channel, ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Lifestyle Network.