Rogers TV subscribers down 8,000 in 4Q 2014

TORONTO — Rogers Communications Inc., a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company, today announced its unaudited consolidated financial and operating results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014.

Cable

Television revenue decreased by 2% this quarter as a result of the decline in Television subscribers over the past year associated with heightened pay TV competition, partially offset by the impact of pricing changes implemented over the past year and the acquisition of Source Cable.

The digital cable subscriber base represented 88% of our total Television subscriber base at the end of the quarter, compared to 84% as at December 31, 2013. The larger selection of digital content, video on-demand, and HDTV and PVR equipment combined with our ongoing analog to digital network conversion continue to contribute to the increasing penetration of the digital subscriber base as a percentage of our total Television subscriber base.

Subscriber results

                                               Three months        Twelve months
                                         ended December 31,   ended December 31,
                                        -------------------  -------------------
                                         2014   2013    Chg   2014   2013    Chg
                                        -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
Cable homes passed                      4,068  3,978     90  4,068  3,978     90
Television                        
 Net losses                              (36)   (28)    (8)  (119)  (127)      8
 Total Television subscribers (1,2)     2,024  2,127  (103)  2,024  2,127  (103)

1. On May 1, 2013, we acquired approximately 34,000 cable high-speed Internet subscribers, 40,000 Television subscribers and 37,000 Phone subscribers from our acquisition of Mountain Cable. These subscribers are not included in net additions, but do appear in the ending total balance for December 31, 2013. The acquisition also increased homes passed by 59,000.
2. On November 4, 2014, we acquired approximately 16,000 cable high-speed Internet subscribers, 16,000 Television subscribers and 11,000 Phone subscribers from our acquisition of Source Cable. These subscribers are not included in net additions, but do appear in the ending total balance for December 31, 2014. The acquisition also increased homes passed by 26,000.

On November 4, 2014, Rogers acquired Source Cable Limited, a small television, Internet, and phone service provider situated in Hamilton, Ontario for $156 million. The Source Cable subscriber footprint is adjacent to existing Rogers cable systems in Southwestern Ontario and is expected to enable numerous synergies.

During the quarter, Rogers launched shomi, a subscription video-on-demand streaming service available on mobile, tablet, online, and through our cable set-top boxes. shomi ups the ante in online and televised entertainment with the most popular shows on TV today, iconic series from the past, fan-favourite films and a library of kids programming. Available to Rogers and Shaw Television or Internet customers, shomi has an easy to use interface and more personalized selections for customers. shomi is a joint venture equally owned by Rogers and Shaw Communications.