TV market: cable TV remains most popular
At the end of 2013, Switzerland had more than 2.69 million cable TV subscribers. This means that cable networks remain the market leader in the distribution of TV and radio programming.
The transformation of cable network companies into full-service entertainment providers continues to be successful. Last year, the 220 Swiss cable networks broke through the one million household barrier with cable internet. In terms of telecommunications subscriptions, the sector recorded robust net growth of 114,700 (+2.7%).
"The cable connection is and remains the first choice for television in Switzerland. Cable networks are also benefiting from this in terms of broadband internet, as our latest figures show," said Simon Osterwalder, Managing Director of Swisscable since March 1, 2014, in a press release. At the end of 2013, 2,692,400 households received their TV and radio signals from their cable network company. This is still almost twice as many as all other providers combined (see chart below). According to the press release, television via the cable connection has become even more attractive with the increasing expansion of digital offerings over the past year. Another particular advantage is that cable network companies can offer the fastest broadband Internet, consistently high picture and sound quality and digital television without additional equipment (set-top box). Many customers also appreciate these advantages because they can use fast Internet and several TV sets in one household at the same time.
More than one million Internet customers
In broadband internet and fixed-line telephony, the cable networks recorded strong growth of almost 11% (+104,300 customers) and 12% (+68,700 customers) respectively. At the end of 2013, 1,054,800 customers were using the internet and 642,000 customers were using fixed-line telephony via the cable network companies. The growth in broadband internet is particularly pleasing, as more and more services are being distributed and used via the internet. Osterwalder: "This shows the advantage of the very good presence of the high-performance cable networks in all parts of Switzerland." In terms of telecommunications subscriptions, the cable network companies recorded net growth of 114,700, which corresponds to an increase of 2.7%.
Graphic: TV market Switzerland (as at the end of 2013, multiple uses possible)
Teaser image: UPC Cablecom
