Foxtel to Launch Triple Play

SYDNEY: Foxtel is now bundling broadband Internet and fixed-line telephony with its TV service, following the execution of a wholesale agreement with Telstra.

The pact with Telstra allows Foxtel to sell fixed-line broadband and telephony services nationally on both Telstra's ADSL network and the National Broadband Network as it is progressively deployed.

Foxtel says the move gives it a competitive proposition with bundle discounts, and allows customers to get more out of their subscription with access to a range of IP services such as Foxtel Go and On Demand when they use it through their home broadband connections.

The services are expected to launch in late 2014.

Richard Freudenstein, Foxtel's CEO, said, "This is a transformative event for the Foxtel business. It will enable us to greatly enhance the breadth, quality and value of the services we offer to customers while opening up significant opportunities for growth. International experience demonstrates that triple play and broadband bundles have been hugely popular with consumers and have allowed operators to boost take up of subscription TV services.

"Broadband and telephony will be a tremendous complement to the traditional Foxtel service, soon to be delivered by our world leading broadcast and IP-enabled iQ3 set top box. These new services will join our continually expanding offering, which includes highly flexible IP products—Foxtel Play, Foxtel Go, and the brand-new online and on-demand movie service Presto.

"These new products will draw on Foxtel's investment in customer service and billing capability, its strong brand and rich content offerings. It is anticipated that they will enable us to acquire new subscribers and reduce churn by increasing choice and broadening the appeal of our offering."