MONTREAL – Videotron described 2008 as “significant in terms of milestones”, as it marked its 14th consecutive quarter of growth across its cable TV, Internet, cable telephone and wireless telephone services, installed its one millionth illico digital TV set-top box, and signed its one millionth Internet customer.
Combined revenues from all cable television services increased $74.1 million, or 10.1%, to $809.9 million, due primarily to customer base growth, migration from analog to digital service, increased video on demand orders, the success of HD packages, and increases in some rates, the press release said.
Videotron added 77,500 new cable television subscribers during the year, bringing its total to 1,715,620, including 159,100 new illico digital television service subscribers. As of December 31, 2008, 54% of Videotron’s cable television clients subscribed to its digital television service.
The company also added 130,800 Internet customers during the year to bring its total to 1,063,850.
More than 215,600 Quebecers signed up for Videotron’s residential telephone service in 2008, meaning 851,990 residential and business customers now subscriber to the service. The penetration rate for Videotron residential telephone service (as a proportion of the customer base for cable television service) is now 50%.
At December 31, 2008, as it prepares to build out its own advanced wireless services network, Videotron had activated 63,400 phones on its wireless service.
“Despite the tough economic times, the Company is planning for continued growth,” said Robert Dépatie, president and CEO, in the press release. “Videotron recently announced the creation of 500 new jobs in all corporate departments. It is forging ahead with its strategy to become a key technology provider and a premiere brand in the world of telecommunications.”
