Dutch cable operator Ziggo plans another annual increase in prices from 01 July, according to a statement on its customer forum. The increase in fixed prices is needed in order to help pay for network investments, Ziggo said. The detailed changes have not yet been announced, and customers will be informed individually.
The price hike is expected to affect bundles of TV, broadband and telephony services, while the cost of a second set-to box will be reduced. In addition, customers will pay more to receive paper bills and non-electronic payments.
Ziggo will also increase call rates from July, along with a number of changes to telephony and voicemail functions. The call set-up and minute rate for fixed telephony will increase to EUR 0.12 from EUR 0.11 for calls to fixed and mobile numbers in the Netherlands and Europe.
Average increase 3.3%
A spokesman for the company said that the average price increase would be EUR 1.65 per month, or 3.3 percent. Most customers on a triple-play plan will pay EUR 2 per month more.
The most popular plan, 'Alles-in-1 Complete', will increase to EUR 64.50 per month from EUR 62.50. This includes broadband up to 220/20 Mbps and 77 TV channels. The new price does not take into account promotional discounts for new subscribers.
The business broadband plans Zakelijk Internet Start and Complete will rise by EUR 1.50 per month (excluding VAT). The Zakelijk Internet Pro plan is unchanged. A number of older plans will also increase by EUR 2.50 per month.
Ziggo said the price increase will not come with an increase in broadband speeds, as rival KPN announced with its own price hikes for July. Ziggo is still working on a network upgrade that will lead eventually to the roll-out of Docsis 3.1 and also started in April its shutdown of analogue TV.
