Digital cable TV homes in Europe up 13% in 2011

Up In Lights as Cable Revenue Growth Accelerates
Double-digit broadband & telephony subscriber growth(1) help generate €19.9 billion revenue within cable’s EU footprint; Accelerated 7% top-line growth across the industry

BRUSSELS — Cable Congress — New year-end numbers released today confirm that the upward trajectory set by Europe’s cable operators in recent years was maintained in 2011, with the industry reporting faster overall growth than in 2010.

The figures point to the cable industry’s continued success in converting its customers to digital services as well as attracting new customers through its television, internet and telephony “triple play” services. These triple play services helped the industry to record revenue of €19.9 billion, a 7% increase on the previous year, largely as a result of double-digit growth in the internet and telephony segments. By comparison, revenues grew by 6% in 2010 and 3% in 2009.

Speaking at Cable Congress 2012, Manuel Kohnstamm, President, Cable Europe, said: “When we say Europe’s cable industry is up in lights, we mean it. These growth figures prove that investments in next generation services are really bearing fruit and that cable operators are more than holding their own against other platforms even in today’s highly competitive, highly dynamic markets.”

Meanwhile, Europe’s ongoing switch away from analogue services helped the total number of digital cable TV homes served by cable operators increase by 13%. Growth in digital TV is regarded as strategic for the industry due to the potential for lucrative add-on revenues in the future as TV viewing becomes more interactive.

“Europe’s cable industry can be proud of its achievements in 2011 and for the way in which it has managed to maintain its leadership position as Europe moves towards a digital, ubiquitous future. Accelerated growth, even in the current economic climate, shows not only that we are managing to harvest our investments in next generation products and services. It also means we are more than ever meeting consumer demand,” said Caroline van Weede, managing director, Cable Europe.

Cable Congress, which takes place in Brussels 7-9 March, is the focal point of Europe’s cable industry, bringing together C-level executives with policymakers, analysts and members of the content, marketing and technology professions. Top level speakers at the 2012 event include Michael Fries, CEO, Liberty Global, Neil Berkett, CEO, Virgin Media, Neelie Kroes, Vice President, European Commission and Brian Sullivan, CEO, Sky Deutschland.

1. Subscriber growth data for 2011 Year End: Broadband via cable shows 10% subscriber growth (25.4 mn in 2011 compared to 23.1 mn in previous year) Telephony via Cable also posts 10% subscriber growth (19.6 mn for 2011 compared to 17.8 mn in previous year)