HD keeps Boxer in the hunt

Sales of subscriptions to Sweden’s new terrestrially delivered HD channels have exceeded expectations, according to platform operator Boxer. 12 channels were launched on November 1 and parent company Teracom is looking forward to a continued strong performance during 2011 as more channels come on line and further receiver models introduced.

Teracom CEO Crister Fritzon said he hoped that those people gaining automatic access to the free HD channels provided by public service broadcaster SVT will encourage consumers to upgrade to the pay offer. In addition to HD, Boxer is studying 3D and potential video on demand services.

However, the new technologies have done nothing to reduce subscriber losses, the installed base across Sweden, Denmark and Finland reducing by another 7,000 on the quarter to stand at 947,000 on March 31.

In Finland PlusTV remains the strongest of Teracom’s pay-TV operations, here churn has been reduced and the customer based stabilised following a strengthening of sales channels.

Boxer Denmark is now seemingly on thee mend following its disappointing start in November 2009. The package has been revamped and the company is reporting a solid customer intake in the last quarter.

The move of TV2 to pay – and the abandonment of plans to offer a free card – is seen as a positive move that can be expected to substantially increase the number of pay-TV customers.

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