2 in 5 consumers thinking about multiplay upgrade, survey finds

July 2015

2 in 5 consumers thinking about multiplay upgrade, survey finds: According to a recent survey of 1,000 consumers, 2 in 5 are thinking about upgrading to a multiplay communications service package, although, one third have upgraded already.

The survey by CSS insight - a telecoms industry analyst – suggests that the multiplay market has potential to double in the near future, with many telecoms providers believing that multiplay is the future of telecommunications.

Multiplay is the phrase used to describe the integration of several, previously separate, communications services, such as broadband, TV and mobile.

The findings were revealed during the current period of increased mergers and acquisition activity in the telecoms industry, with BT considering buying out EE, Three looking to buy O2, and Sky starting to establish itself within the mobile market.

The companies are all in a competition to become the main multiplay provider, with BT winning in terms of fixed-line, EE being the largest mobile provider and Sky being the best in terms of providing premium content. The expansion at BT appears particularly threatening to other telecommunications providers as it has started to acquire premium content as well.

Paolo Pescatore, Analyst at CSS Insight, said of the findings:

“Companies are scared of missing out on a huge opportunity. With consumers telling us that it is more convenient and better value to buy broadband, mobile, TV and land-line access from one company, incumbent providers that can offer all these services are in the perfect position – it’s little wonder we’re seeing a frenzy of M&A activity as leading players scramble to secure these assets. With consumers telling us that it is more convenient and better value to buy broadband, mobile, TV and land-line access from one company, incumbent providers that can offer all these services are in the perfect position – it’s little wonder we’re seeing a frenzy of M&A activity as leading players scramble to secure these assets. Our research indicates that new entrants in the broadband market face a significant challenge in winning customers. Networks selling only mobile telephone services must take careful notice of this trend and should quickly offer their customers a broadband product to avoid being left behind. If they don’t move quickly they could haemorrhage customers to broadband providers offering a competitively priced mobile service within their bundles.”

“While most people who have multiplay bundles today are happy, there’s a significant minority – about one in five – who feel they aren’t getting sufficient value for money. This suggests that providers need to do a better job of explaining the cost benefits of multiplay services. We believe they should also be clearer about the tariff bundles they offer.”