TV driving Swisscom’s broadband growth

Swisscom’s TV service continues to be the driving force behind growth in broadband subscriptions, according to the telco.

Reporting Q1 results, Swisscom said that Swisscom TV connections rose by 54,000 or 3.8% to 1.49 million in the year to March.

The company claims a 34% of the Swiss digital TV market, up from 33% last year.

Swisscom TV customers will be able to watch World Cup football coverage from public broadcaster SRG. Swisscom TV customers can also view UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches.

Swisscom’s fixed broadband base grew by 37,000 or 1.9% to around 2.0 million while fixed telephony lines declined by 284,000 or 13.8% to 1.78 million.

Swisscom’s consolidated net revenue was up slightly on the previous year at CHF2.885 billion (€2.122 billion), a 13.9% increase. EBITDA was CHF1.058 billion, stable year-on-year.

“We reported a solid result in the first quarter of 2018. Our industry is challenged in a persistently difficult environment: the demands of our customers are growing, as is the volume of data on the networks. Consequently, the need for investment remains high. At the same time, prices are falling and promotions are intensifying the competition,” said CEO Urs Schaeppi.

“Our customers have been benefiting from up to 50% lower roaming prices since March. And they can look forward to an exciting football summer. We are continuing to develop our TV offer into an integrated entertainment platform. The figures for inOne are also pleasing, as we again increased in the first quarter. Our subsidiary Fastweb also grew.”