And it claims the rise now makes it the biggest digital sports subscriber business in Europe.
It says its paying subscriber base has risen from 40,000 in January 2003 to more than 100,000 in January 2004. The number of fans registering with sites but not subscribing, now totals more than one million.
The 100,000 figure includes subscribers to Premium TV’s broadband, internet, and SMS subscription services across the 80 clubs on its books.
Said Oliver Slipper, commercial director for Premium TV: “Premium TV subscriber base is growing faster than all expectations. We have now reached critical mass, which is being recognised by advertisers and sponsors, plus broadband ISPs looking at ways of differentiating their offering in ways other than price. Football is a key driver for broadband take-up and Premium TV is now able to capitalise on its audience and exclusive online and mobile rights.
“With football club’s own subscriber numbers on the increase, they are in a much stronger position the next time rights are negotiated. With a rapid increase of broadband, delivery of football content over the web will become a credible alternative to TV broadcasts, within a matter of years.”
