BSkyB the limit with 19% rise

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB has announced that the total number of Sky digital customers in Ireland rose by 19,000 to 484,000 in the three months to March 31.

It is now reckoned that one-in-three of all households receive the wide variety of Sky channels.

The increase means that Sky digital has grown by 19% — or by 77,000 customers — in the last 12 months.

Delia Bushell, managing director, Sky Ireland, said more customers than ever before are choosing Sky to connect to a great choice of TV and enjoy more control and flexibility over how, where and when they watch — either through Sky+ or via their PC or mobile phone.

“Our commitment to Irish customers will be further strengthened this summer with the launch of a Cork-based dedicated customer service operation, in partnership with Abtran, creating 100 new positions,” said Ms Bushell.

“With this investment, our goal is to deliver simple, personal and reliable service as demand for Sky products continues to grow,” she added.

BSkyB stated that growing demand from customers reflects the range and quality of Sky’s products and services as well as significant marketing investment in delivering digital television to its customers.

Across the UK and Ireland, the total number of direct-to-home (DTH) digital satellite subscribers increased by 51,000 in the quarter to reach 8.492 million.

Sky+ households grew by 199,000 to 2.167 million.

Customers to Sky HD reached 244,000 after just 10 months, making it Sky’s fastest selling additional TV product.

Revenue increased by 10% to €4,964m while operating profit was €901m.