Liberty Global had 1.17 million TV customers using its 4K Next platform at the end of 2020, with VodafoneZiggo being responsible for almost half (48%) of them, according to the presentation on Liberty Global's Q4 2020 figures. Earlier VodafoneZiggo reported that 568,000 customers use the Next 4K set-top box. Another 1 million of its TV customers with a Mediabox XL will be be upgraded to the Mediabox Next user interface.
Liberty Global also reported that around 20 million households on its HFC networks have access to 1 Gbps broadband. However, less than 1 percent of those households actually have a 1 Gbps subscription, at 195,000 in total.
No IPO in short term
Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries was asked if an IPO is expected for VodafoneZiggo. He answered that an IPO is not happening in the short term citing multiple reasons: Vodafone has to be willing to do that as well, the current insecurity over the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that VodafoneZiggo is providing a lot of cash for both owners. At the same time, he pointed out that things can change, maybe within the next 24 months.
Fries also pointed out that VodafoneZiggo, despite a few quarters with larger RGU losses, is still doing well in comparison with its largest competitor KPN, with revenue growth, higher mobile customer growth, lower broadband customers losses and good results on the business market.
