Media giant ABS-CBN’s on-demand streaming service iWant will be merging with The Filipino Channel (TFC) Online starting September 1.

iWant announced on Monday, August 24, that they will be migrating to a new system that will be accessible worldwide. TFC is ABS-CBN’s overseas 24-hour cable channel with satellite, web, and mobile service.

“With this, the iWant mobile app and website will no longer be available on September 1 as we will be soft-launching the new iWant TFC mobile app and website,” the platform said in a statement on its social media accounts.

Starting September 1, existing iWant users will need to download the new iWant TFC app.

Users with free or basic plan will have to register a new account, while premium users will just need to log in with their current account details.

Following its shutdown, ABS-CBN shifted its focus on its businesses that do not require legislative franchise. (READ: Fewer viewers, ad options: How ABS-CBN shutdown alters PH media landscape)

These include international licensing and distribution, digital and cable businesses, and content syndication via different streaming services. (READ: FAST FACTS: Other businesses of ABS-CBN)

ABS-CBN Corporation suffered a massive net loss of P3.93 billion in the 1st half of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the denial of its franchise renewal by the House of the Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises.

In its August 20 disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company said its iWant service registered over 1 million users and over 1.6 million daily views. – Rappler.com