Nearly half a million homes subscribe to Sky


2 May 2007

Satellite TV firm BSkyB this morning reported that Irish customers of Sky digital rose 19,000 to reach 484,000 in the three months up to March. This represents a 19pc growth on the year.

This new figure is equivalent to 33pc of all Irish homes, the company said.

Revenues at Sky’s Irish and UK operations increased by 10pc to €4.9bn, while operating profit stood at €901m.

“More customers than ever before are choosing Sky to connect to a great choice of TV and enjoy more control and flexibility over how, where and when they watch either through Sky+ or via their PC or mobile phone,” explained Sky Ireland managing director Delia Bushell.

“Our commitment to Irish customers will be further strengthened this summer with the launch of a Cork-based dedicated customer service operation in partnership with Abtran, creating 100 new positions.

“With this investment, our goal is to deliver simple, personal and reliable service as demand for Sky products continues to grow,” said Bushell.

Across Ireland and the UK, the total number of direct-to-home digital satellite subscribers increased by 51,000 in the quarter to reach 8.4 million homes.

Sky-plus households grew by 199,000 to 2.1 million, meeting a 25pc Sky+ target three years earlier than planned.

Customers of Sky HD (high-definition) reached 244,000 after 10 months.

By John Kennedy