THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has given Reliance Broadcasting Unlimited Inc. (RBU) approval to operate a direct-to-home (DTH) service nationwide through KT SAT, a Korea-based satellite technology firm.

With the DTH license, RBU can now broadcast free-to-air channels such as PTV, GMA, RPTV, GTV, All TV and 14 other "must carry" channels even in the most remote areas of the country.

"It has been a challenge to provide information to our people because the Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands. With RBU pivoting into a DTH operator, we'll be able to do our share in giving access to crucial public information to more Filipinos as we try to reach every island in the country," RBU President Frank Martin Abalos said.

RBU will also collaborate with various organizations to air public service announcements and educational materials to residents of Batanes, Ilocos and southern Mindanao municipalities.

KT Sat provides satellite communication services in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.

Abalos noted that the DTH service of RBU complements the fiber internet services of its affiliate, Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Converge is the largest fiber-to-the-home fixed broadband operator in the country. On Tuesday, Converge shares lost 2 centavos, or 0.18 percent, to P11.10 apiece.