UPC ‘optimism’ shown by investment

UPC Ireland chief Magnus Ternsjo has said the company’s commitment and optimism in its operations here has been shown in the amount of new product investment it has made in the past year.

Mr Ternsjo took the helm at the international communications giant’s Irish operations last summer and his tenure has coincided with the launch of product enhancements, including its strengthened standard residential and business broadband speeds and its Horizon TV venture.

His first year in charge — as illustrated by new figures published yesterday — also saw total subscriber numbers grow by 71,000 to just under 1.06 million.

The Horizon service, alone — which allows customers greater freedom to watch and record programmes as well as giving them the ability to transform any device into a ‘smart’ TV — has racked up 50,000 subscribers since its launch last August.

The fourth quarter of 2013 saw nearly 20,000 extra subscriptions netted. The overall increase last year included an 11% rise in broadband customers.

“These are strong results which highlight the progress and momentum we have achieved in meeting customer needs.

“This is underpinned by the support of a great workforce, the power of UPC’s fibre network offering the best digital services in the market, and our continuing focus on operational excellence,” said Mr Ternsjo.

“Our optimism and confidence for the future is demonstrated by our investments in delivering new and innovative products and services.”

Last November, UPC admitted it was likely to launch a mobile phone service in Ireland, as its parent, Liberty Global, has done elsewhere.

However, Mr Ternsjo stressed this would not be an immediate move and has no timeframe attached to it at present.

On this subject, he added that it would probably not materialise for another two years or so.