Ziggo has unveiled its "new TV viewing” strategy, with key points focused on personalisation, multi-screen (TV, computer, tablet, mobile), and a simple and attractive user interface. Wireless access will also be addressed, supported by the 2.6 GHz license acquired by the Ziggo4 a joint venture with UPC last year. How the wireless/mobile access will be implemented has not yet been decided. Concrete plans are at present limited to the introduction of new packages, an iPad application and a new remote control. The new strategic plan will be introduced from May.
Ziggo will switch to three TV packages, bring the number of analogue channels down from 30 to 25, and add digital TV as well as HD, catch-up TV (NPO, RTL, SBS), a TV library and on-demand services to all packages. The exact details for the analogue package are still being negotiated with various programme councils. 3D content will also be extended, after the summer.
The three subscriptions will differ in the number of SD and HD channels on offer, as well as on the breadth of the TV library, and of course, in price:
◦ TV Standard: 63 SD channels, 11 HD, 1EUR 6.95 per month. Ziggo expects 2-3 million subscribers to choose this option. ◦ TV Plus: about 90 SD and 15 HD channels, EUR 24.95 per month. Ziggo expects roughly 500,000 subscribers to choose this option. ◦ TV Extra: 119 SD and 24 HD channels, EUR 29.95 per month. Ziggo sees a half million subscribers opting for this one. The Premium and Niche channels will continue to be offered. Ziggo will also begin offering a "pay per event' option, initially only for Premier League matches, and then for other events such as live concerts. Each event will cost EUR 5.95 and will be available by request on Ziggo’s website. Customers will get access to the EPG (electronic programme guide) with a free iPad application. The app will also give access to TV news, trailers, alerts and the possibility of "sharing” via Twitter, MySpace and Facebook. It is this app that will personalise the viewing experience. More features such as remote control of the DVR and watching TV on the iPad will follow at a later date. Ziggo will also come out with versions for Android and IOS. With the new remote control (priced at EUR 19.95), customers will be able to control both the TV and the STB. The app and remote will be available from March.
Ziggo also announced that it will this year raise internet speeds, but that its maximum speed of 120/10 Mbps will not be upped. The highest speed could see an upgrade to 240 Mbps, but not before 2012. The operator is however considering a symmetric service for the SOHO market. Finally, Ziggo said it will open a third Ziggo studio this year in The Hague. The first two are located in Zwolle and Utrecht and act not only as a shop, but also as a potential film shooting location for RTV live broadcasts.