Unique Cable Network Inc. expands digital services in Philippines

Unique Cable Network Inc.

• Fibre‑to‑the‑home internet bundles and digital cable TV drive growth
• Industry must overcome infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles to innovate

UCNI services: Fibre and cable bundles on the rise

Unique Cable Network Inc. (UCNI) provides broadband internet and digital cable TV services to homes and businesses across the Philippines. It has recently launched a new promotion offering higher-speed fibre plans without increasing the standard ₱1,500 activation fee. This aims to attract more customers, especially in underserved areas where reliable internet is still limited. As demand grows for faster and more stable connections, UCNI shifts focus to fibre-to-the-home services. By combining internet and TV into one package, the company stays competitive while offering better value for price-conscious users.

Also read: Paratus, PowerTel launch $570M fibre network in Zimbabwe
Also read: Proximus wins case over Digi’s fibre rollout

UCNI in context: Competing in a fast-moving industry

Sky Cable and Asian Vision are now active in promoting fibre broadband along with digital cable TV, responding to rising demand for faster, more reliable home connectivity. Sky launched its Sky Fibre service in July 2024, targeting urban users with high-speed internet. Asian Vision, meanwhile, continues to serve smaller cities and provincial areas with stable cable and broadband options. UCNI follows a similar path by offering flat-rate bundles that combine fibre internet with digital TV. By increasing bandwidth while keeping prices steady, UCNI positions itself to stay competitive in a crowded and fast-changing market.

Challenges ahead: Fibre rollout and regulation

The cable internet sector in the Philippines faces clear problems. Fibre rollout needs big spending, especially in remote areas where roads and poles are lacking. In many provinces, permits and land rights are slow to process, often delaying projects for months. Smaller firms like UCNI must work around these limits with fewer resources. At the same time, large firms like PLDT and Converge expand faster, using existing networks. This puts pressure on UCNI to compete with lower prices and simpler packages.

Market trends: New tech shapes the future

Fibre-to-the-home is growing fast as people demand faster and more stable internet. Providers now shift to all-fibre networks to meet this need. At the same time, undersea cable projects, such as the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, improve island links and overall speed. Bundled services are also key—UCNI and others offer fibre internet with cable TV in one plan. This adds value and helps smaller firms win over price-conscious users.