SureWest Communications posts 180% increase in IPTV subscribers

May 8, 2008 – US independent telco SureWest Communications has revealed in its first quarter results that it achieved a 180% increase in subscribers to its IPTV services relative to the same period of last year, reaching a total of 55,200 customers.

Of this increase, 172% was attributed to its acquisition of Kansas City-based Everest Broadband in February of this year.  The remaining 8% increase in IPTV subscribers was attributed to “continued high demand” for a recently launched high-definition DVR, supplied by ADB, and increased demand for other premium features including On Demand and high-definition TV.  Average revenue per user (ARPU) for video services increased from US$ 61 in the first quarter of last year to US$ 64 in the first three months of this year.

“SureWest is engaged in initiatives designed to increase our competitive advantage while achieving growth in RGUs and ARPU,” said Steve Oldham, President and CEO of SureWest.  “The recent launch of DVR in Sacramento and an increase from 36 to 50 HD channels during the quarter represent major contributors in increasing video sales and ARPU. We will continue to make our high-end video and data packages more attractive for consumers through enhanced marketing and sales campaigns.”

SureWest reports that it expects to add over 15 high-definition channels in each market that it operates in during the second quarter of this year.

Bill DeMuth, SureWest’s Chief Technical Officer and Senior Vice President, will be speaking at the upcoming IPTV World Forum North America event, to be held in Chicago on July 22-23 of this year.  For more information on the event please click here