(Hong Kong, June 16, 2025) – i-CABLE Communications Limited (Stock Code: 1097) announced that it will launch the new i-CABLE FAST channel in the second half of the year. This new offering will leverage server-side dynamic ad insertion technology provided by Broadpeak, a leading global streaming solutions provider, to effectively reach international audiences. At the same time, the HOY official app will strengthen its micro-drama content and integrate deeply with The Trade Desk—the world’s largest independent demand-side platform—to significantly enhance advertising performance.
Mr. Felix To, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of i-CABLE Communications Limited, stated that these two initiatives respond to the significant changes in Hong Kong’s television advertising landscape and align with the Group’s overall multimedia development strategy. With the rapid rise of Connected TV (CTV) in recent years, digital advertising has clearly taken the lead in Hong Kong’s advertising market, while traditional TV and newspapers continue to see declining ad revenue. To stay competitive both locally and globally, the Group must accelerate its transformation in response to technological advances, shifting consumer behavior, and the current economic environment.
The i-CABLE FAST channel is expected to officially launch by the end of June. It will offer a wide array of content, including programs from i-CABLE’s three HOY channels as well as popular dramas and variety shows from Taiwan and Mainland China, providing viewers with a rich and diverse viewing experience. Through broadpeak.io, Broadpeak’s SaaS platform, the channel will utilize seamless server-side ad insertion and virtual channel technology to reduce buffering, ensuring a smoother and more engaging streaming experience.
Additionally, the HOY app, through its integration with The Trade Desk, will employ UID2 for privacy-preserving identity solutions and OpenPath for cross-platform support. This enables advertisers to optimize their ad campaigns using data-driven demand-side strategies, delivering more personalized ads based on user behavior and first-party data. It also helps reduce unnecessary ad impressions while automating processes such as real-time retargeting and dynamic campaign adjustments based on user response—ultimately improving return on ad spend (ROAS) and operational efficiency.
Beyond the technological upgrades, the HOY app will also see a significant content boost. Mr. To revealed that starting in the second half of the year, the app will fully support micro-drama on-demand content. HOY TV plans to produce at least 10 micro-dramas, which will premiere on the HOY app. The Group is also curating micro-dramas from various regions to appeal to younger and female audiences.
Furthermore, i-CABLE has secured a partnership with Saros TV, a micro-drama platform offering over 5,000 episodes across genres such as drama, romance, and thriller. The Group will select titles tailored to Hong Kong viewers’ preferences. Micro-dramas, known for their convenience and accessibility, encourage casual on-demand viewing and are expected to boost app engagement—helping HOY stand out in a competitive market and strengthen its brand influence and appeal.
