PLDT's Smart Pinoy TV targets Filipino OFWs

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has just launched a new online TV streaming service called Smart Pinoy TV to serve overseas Filipinos craving for local shows.Smart Pinoy TV lets users watch local Filipino channels via desktop PCs, laptops and even mobile devices like tablets or smartphones.  The Smart Pinoy TV app is currently available for download on Android but will soon be available on iOS. Based on the logo, PLDT is branding it under its mobile unit Smart Communiations.The services can only livestream four TV channels, namely DZRH, GMA News TV, Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV. The last two channels on the list are owned by PLDT Chairman Manuel Pangilinan.  Israel-based video platform LATTO was tapped to manage its content.To access Smart Pinoy TV, users must own a special SIM card and purchase an ePIN for US$10 to have 30 days of streaming access.Streaming services is growing trend among TV networks. In December, ABS-CBN official launched its own telco brand ABS-CBN mobile and has been all out promoting another live streaming service called the iWant TV app.