There are four major themes in cable’s future growth, according to Matthias Kurth, executive chairman, Cable Europe.
Speaking in a presentation at Media Platform 2015 in Budapest, he identified them as broadband as the motor; fuelled by advanced video solutions; best content experience, embracing OTT; and fixed mobile convergence.
Kurth spoke at some length about the Digital Single Market (DSM) and importance of such factors as the need for a level playing field, which right now is the subject of a major debate in Europe.
On the subject of competition, he gave the example of WhatsApp and how it had put pressure on, and reduced the market share of, SMS.
Speaking in a subsequent panel discussion, Kurth said that cable has a lot of potential growth in infrastructure, including in such areas as DOCSIS 3.1.
Regarding OTT, he said that some operators are integrating such services, including Netflix. However, it remained to be seen whether customers would be willing to pay more for them if they were already being offered attractive packages.
Kurth also said convergence between fixed and mobile is very important, as are customer relations.
