Subscriptions to digital TV services over cable grew by 18% in the first half of 2008 as operators benefited from the migration to enhanced services.
The Screen Digest data was commissioned by Cable Europe, which welcomed the figures as evidence that cable platforms could attract new customers for digital TV, internet and telephony services. “Demand for digital services is showing that customers are upgrading their older analogue services faster than ever. The new digital services enable the industry to provide a richer audience experience,” said Manuel Kohnstamm, president of the trade body.
Germany reported 32% growth to 3.4 million customers, while France and Spain both enjoyed a 12% increased to 1.6m and 1.05m customers respectively. The Netherlands saw a 15% increase to 1.8m. The recent restatement of subscriber numbers by Premiere, coupled with cable’s own increases, has meant that cable now has around one million more direct digital customers.
Growth in digital TV services was broadly mirrored in cable internet and cable telephony, which rose 6.7% and 9.2% respectively between the end of 2007 and June 30, 2008.
