Cable TV ceases paid TV broadcasting, focuses on three free TV channel

Cable TV ceased its 30 years of paid television broadcasting services starting at midnight on Thursday (Jun 1) as the torch is now passed to the TV station’s three free-to-air channels – HKIBC (Ch.76), HOY TV (Ch.77) and HOY Infotainment (Ch.78). 

Mother company i-Cable Communications (1097) stressed their other businesses, including telecommunications, broadband, telephony, and network construction will operate as usual. 

“Cable TV broadcasting has been ceased on June 1, 2023. Thank you for your continuous support!” a notification on i-Cable’s website read. 

i-Cable was granted approval by the government to return its paid TV license in February and said they would put effort into developing the three free channels and over-the-top streaming media services. 

Their paid TV license was last renewed in December 2016, and the cessation came six years earlier than the original expiry date of May 31, 2029. 

The final newscast on Cable TV’s news channel was delivered to audiences by chief anchor Jolly Wong. 

“Thank you for your support to Cable TV,” Wong said, adding that their newsroom will continue to provide citizens with the latest news information as they always have. 

She also reminded viewers that shows and programs by the news channel will be aired on HOY TV. 

Customers who subscribed to the paid channels can keep their TV box, remote, and other relevant equipment. 

They can also choose to return the equipment to four designated collection centers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Mong Kok; or to more than 160 EPD Green@Community collection points. 

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