Strong first six months for Freeview

PRESS RELEASE: 15th November, 2007

Strong first six months for Freeview

Six months after its successful launch, Freeview take-up figures continue to demonstrate New Zealanders are enthusiastically embracing free-to-air digital television and radio.

Latest sales figures show more than 21,000 digital satellite receivers have been purchased in the last three months. This takes the total number of households reached to an estimated 62,000, or nearly 4% of all homes. New Zealanders are again showing that they are a nation of technology adopters, as this level of take-up in the first year of a digital television service is comparable to the leading digital markets overseas, such as the UK and Finland.

Steve Browning, General Manger, Freeview, says this illustrates that Kiwis are embracing digital quality reception and are pleased with the choice they now have to obtain it for a one-off cost and no monthly subscription.

"In reaching 150,000 New Zealanders we continue to track well ahead of forecast as we move into the Christmas buying period where Freeview is a great gift. It's nice to be able to buy something for a friend or family member that delivers so much entertainment with no ongoing cost attached," he says.

"As promised the Freeview channel offering is growing and now includes nine television and two radio services. The addition of TVNZ6 (Kidzone, Family and Showcase), Stratos, and Parliament TV have further enhanced viewing options in Freeview homes. We remain on target to achieve our aim of providing 12 - 15 television services by the end of next year," he adds

More information regarding the current service and future plans can be found on Freeview's website: www.freeviewnz.tv.

ENDS

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