Reliance Broadcasting Unlimited (RBU) successfully partnered with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to serve as the official live feed partner for the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA). The event, held at the Batasan Pambansa complex, was broadcast seamlessly across the country through Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM), reaching thousands of homes.
RBU’s commitment to public service and information was highlighted by RBU President Atty. Frank Martin Abalos, expressed pride in leveraging their technology for the event. He noted, “With RBU now with a DTH license, we were able to stream RTVM via our entertainment box at the House of Representatives, and to our thousands of Vision box subscribers.”
This SONA marked a significant milestone for RBU as it was the pilot broadcast of the company. The installation of the entertainment boxes, branded as ‘Vision’, was overseen by ComClark Network and Technology Corp., the parent company of Converge ICT Solutions Inc. These boxes were strategically placed in key areas of the Batasan Pambansa complex, including the Manuel Villar Jr. Hall, Prospero Nograles Hall, Women’s Legislator Lounge, and the Plenary Hall, among others.
With the Vision boxes, guests and employees of the House of Representatives had direct access to the SONA, as well as a wide range of local and international TV channels. Exclusive channels like USA Today News, USA Today Sports, Pocketwatch, and Ryan & Friends were also made available, providing a comprehensive viewing experience.
The Vision boxes are designed for easy setup, featuring reliable security measures and enhanced artificial intelligence. Users benefit from quick, one-click access to a variety of channels, Google apps, online games, and over-the-top (OTT) apps like HBO Go, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Spotify.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. continues to expand its reach with the largest fiber-to-the-home network in the Philippines. Boasting over eight million ports and a fiber footprint extending over 700,000 kilometers, Converge’s network reaches 16 million Filipino homes. As of the end of March 2024, Converge serves 2.3 million residential broadband subscribers nationwide.