Montréal, August 10, 2011 – Videotron today reported quarterly results and announced that it now has more than 210,000 customers for its mobile services. Videotron recorded the strongest growth ever for mobile services during the second quarter, adding more than 3,500 new customers per week.
The quarterly increase of 52,700 revenue-generating units, up 75% from the 30,100-unit increase recorded in the same quarter of 2010, demonstrated the soundness of Videotron's decision to invest in mobile services in order to maintain strong growth although markets for its other services are mature.
The highly positive response confirms that our mobile services meet Quebecers' needs, said Robert Dépatie, President and CEO of Videotron. It is gratifying to have been able to shake up a market that was long dominated by the majors. We do not intend to stop innovating with a view to delivering the best possible technological and entertainment experience, as in all our other services. The ongoing roll-out and optimization of our 4G network and the launch of Lib tv, Canada's first channel designed specifically for mobile devices, are good examples of the products we are developing in order to offer our customers more.
MOBILITY
Available to more than six million people
There were a total of 210,600 subscriber connections to Videotron's mobile network at June 30, 2011. With the roll-out to the Saguenay–Lac Saint-Jean and Ottawa/Outaouais regions in the second quarter, Videotron's advanced mobile services are now available to more than six million people across Québec and eastern Ontario.
New handsets
Videotron today added the new Samsung GalaxyTM mini, an entry-level smartphone, to its selection of Android-powered handsets. During the quarter, Videotron also introduced its first 4G handsets, the powerful LG Optimus 2X and HTC PanacheTM.
illico mobile liberates Lib tv
Lib tv hit the airwaves on June 1, 2011, and its zany programming has already become the most popular content on the illico mobile platform. Canada's first mobile channel features Québec stars in eight wacky, offbeat, irreverent programs. Its launch demonstrates Videotron's commitment to showcasing local talent and content on its platforms. In addition to its popularity on illico mobile, Lib tv is also a hit on illico web and illico TV (channel 900).
Powerful 4G network
Videotron continued expanding its 4G network during the quarter. In addition to the roll-out to two new regions, Videotron's advanced mobile network was also upgraded in a number of Québec municipalities. As a result, the 4G network now covers almost 100% of Videotron's service area.
CABLE TV
Videotron ended the second quarter with 1,800,700 cable television customers, including 1,270,400 households and businesses that now enjoy the benefits of digital television.
More channels, more choice
Videotron recently launched two multi-screen channels: the all-news channel CBC News Network HD was added to Videotron's high-definition channel line-up as well as to the illico mobile and illico web platforms, and Wild TV was added to illico at the beginning of August, kicking off the hunting season with diverse linear and on-demand programming on television, the web and mobile.
In addition to regular improvements to the Digital TV service, Videotron employees are actively preparing for the launch of the next generation of illico in the coming months.
INTERNET
Innovation and speed
As of June 30, there were 1,266,500 residential and business subscribers to Videotron's cable Internet access services. True to its tradition of innovation, Videotron was the first major ISP in Canada to support IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously, thanks to the IPv6 Beta program for early adopters.
Earlier this week, Videotron also launched its new High-Speed Internet Combo package, which includes both residential and mobile Internet service.
CABLE TELEPHONE
At the end of the second quarter of 2011, Videotron had 1,141,600 residential and business subscribers to its cable telephone service, adding 11,800 customers to the 2.5 million-strong Videotron community of residential, business and mobile telephone users, who can call each other free of charge.
Videotron (www.videotron.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is an integrated communications company engaged in cable television, interactive multimedia development, and Internet access, cable telephone and mobile telephone services. Videotron is a leader in new technologies with its interactive Digital TV service and its broadband network, which supports high-speed cable Internet access, analog and digital cable television, and other services. As of June 30, 2011, Videotron was serving 1,800,700 cable television customers, including 1,270,400 subscribers to its digital service. Videotron is also the Québec leader in high-speed Internet access, with 1,266,500 subscribers to its cable service as of June 30, 2011. As of the same date, Videotron had 210,600 subscriber connections to its mobile telephone service and was providing cable telephone service to 1,141,600 Québec households and organizations. For the sixth consecutive year, Videotron was named Québec's most respected telecommunications company by Les Affaires magazine, based on a Léger Marketing survey.
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