Pay-TV operator unveils mini-packages to combat Now's growing market share
Hong Kong's biggest pay-television firm, i-Cable Communications, has slashed subscription rates by almost half by tailoring channels into 'mini-packages' to suit narrower tastes, instead of offering its previous 'all-or-nothing' service.
The new subscription plans, prompted by inroads made with a similar service offering from rival PCCW's Now Broadband TV, will allow users to choose from slimmed-down packages priced at between $120 and $160 a month, instead of the $308 price tag charged previously on nearly 100 channels.
'In response to user demand for more choice, the company started marketing a new mini-package offer earlier this month,' said Eric Lo, the executive director of Cable TV's subscription services.
The firm has reorganised its programme line-up to more than 20 such mini-packages, featuring news, movies, entertainment and exclusive coverage of English Premier League football.
Mini-packages are priced from less than $100 each but users must subscribe to at least two packages. The minimum monthly charge for a non-football package is $160, but football lovers will need to pay at least $200 per month.
The new offering has been designed to compete with Now Broadband TV's pay per channel pricing mechanism.