May 3, 2024

Tele Columbus Hit by TV Law Change, but Strengthened by Broadband

Tele Columbus performed relatively well in 2023 despite losses. By Ching Wai.

Germany - Tele Columbus, which offers services under the PŸUR brand, experienced a dip in TV customers last year after the change in German law that prevents landlords from bundling TV charges in with rent. Despite this, the company reported its revenue growth being boosted by an increase in its internet base.

The company saw a loss of 81 000 TV customers in the fourth quarter of 2023 because of the law change. Yet, Tele Columbus reported that disregarding the loss of collective contracts, the loss of TV customers was at an all time low, and that it has added 10 000 premium pay TV customers. As such, the company has reason to expect a large proportion of the customers lost will return with individual contracts in the first half of 2024.

At the same time, internet and telephony sales contributed to €10.9 million more in 2023 than in the previous year. About 25 000 internet customers joined the operator in the fourth quarter, which is a 92% uplift on gains for the same period in 2022.

The German cable operator reported a €119 million (about US$127 million) revenue for its fourth quarter in 2023, up 6.2% with adjusted EBITDA up 7.5% to €44.8 million (about US$48 million). For the full year, Tele Columbus had revenues of €452.1 million (about US$484 million), up 2.2%. However, full year EBITDA decreased from €163.3 million (about US$174.8 million) to €143.3 million (about US$153.4 million) from a refinancing process in the second quarter of 2023 which resulted in high legal and consulting costs.

The number of RGUs (revenue generating units) per customer rose from 1.74 to 1.82 over the course of 2023, and the average revenue per user increased by 3% to €18.25 (US$19.54).

To never miss a story — sign up for Viral Weekly free newsletter to stay up-to-date with compelling TV and Film news and views.

Back to Listing

---