A2Z is making a huge leap to cater to more audiences as it announced on Tuesday, April 26, that it will be switching satellites.
In a Facebook post, the broadcasting company revealed that they would transmit their shows via APSTAR-5C starting May 1.
The satellite is owned by APT Satellite. It was launched and put into service in 2012.
According to APT Satellite Holdings Limited, the owner of APSTAR-5C, “the APSTAR System offers the ability to create national networks where, due to difficult terrain and the high costs of building the required infrastructure, none was possible before.”
It has the capability to “distribute a variety of CCTV channels, its national television network, to audiences throughout the PRC, including remote areas.”
Also, the APSTAR System allows local broadcasters like A2Z to “purchase certain segments of an international programmer’s feed using the same satellite for broadcast as part of their own programming, without incurring the cost of adding a separate earth station to receive the international programmer’s segments.”
Earlier on Monday, April 25, the network’s sister channel, Light TV (LTV), announced its cable partners.
“Please be advised that Zoe Program Channels – LTV and A2Z will cease broadcasting via ABS-2 effective on May 1, 2022. In line with this, Zoe Programs can be seen via APSTAR-5C effective on April 25, 2022,” it stated.
It will now cease using ABS-2 satellite as they try to reach more viewers nationwide.
A2Z first made strides in expanding its reach in November 2020, as it became digitally available in Metro Manila and neighboring cities.
It was then followed in September 2021 as it partnered with the Tacloban-based station PRTV to cater to viewers across Eastern Visayas.
Prior to their satellite switch, A2Z expanded throughout Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and some parts of Guimaras and Negros Occidental. In February, it has become accessible in Cagayan De Oro and neighboring Misamis Oriental municipalities.
Just this March, the broadcasting company, via DTT 20 / 509.143, can now be seen in Cebu and Davao.
The franchise-less ABS-CBN has partnered with A2Z, which means that its top-rated Kapamilya shows will also be broadcasted via APSTAR-5C.