UPC grows broadband subscribers in Ireland to 348,000

7 May 2014

TV and broadband provider UPC now has 348,000 broadband subscribers in Ireland, as well as 75,000 subscribers for its Horizon TV service. Total subscriptions grew by 71,400 to 1,084,000 year-on-year in the first quarter.

The company also revealed it grew 7pc year-on-year, adding 24,300 new subscribers to TV, broadband and phone services in Q1.

Broadband subscriptions grew 10pc year-on-year to 348,000 broadband subscribers.

Phone services grew 23pc year-on-year to reach 313,000 phone customers.

In terms of digital cable TV, UPC counted 339,000 digital cable TV subscribers, almost flat growth at 0.2pc year-on-year.

UPC’s parent company Liberty Global reported revenues of US$4.5bn, up 2pc, and a 10pc increase in operating income to US$582m. However, the company reported a net loss of US$79m for the quarter.

Irish momentum

“We have made a great start to the year, driven by steady demand for our fibre-power services and the launch of several innovative new products,” said UPC chief financial officer Carol Grennan.

“Our positive momentum is continuing with growth in subscriptions across digital video, high-speed internet and business services.

“The total year-on-year net growth reported was 71,400 subscriptions across all services, demonstrating the value and performance benefits that UPC uniquely is providing in the market.”

During the quarter, UPC also launched its new Horizon Phone App, Horizon Wi-Free service, and the Horizon TV App for Android.

“Our focus on maximising the quality of our customer experience is driving our success as we deliver the most innovative products in the industry and this will continue as we exploit the power of our network for consumers and businesses nationwide,” Grennan said.

Digital TV image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com