French service provider Free has had a huge impact on its rivals in recent months following the launch of its mobile service. 17% of French households in Strategy Analytics’ ConsumerMetrix survey now take three or more services (home telephone, mobile, broadband, TV) from Free, although Orange is the market leader with a 22% share.
Free’s multiplay customers are more likely to have access to advanced TV services than their major rivals. Nearly two-thirds have HDTV, can search for programmes through the EPG, can use video on demand, and set programmes for series recording. A third of Free’s customers also claim to have access to the full internet on their TV.
These results suggest that both Orange and SFR have some work to do to meet the levels of TV service experienced by Free’s customers.