Eircom throws down gauntlet to Sky and UPC with new fibre TV service

Former monopoly fixed line operator Eircom has launched a new fibre-based television service in direct competition to Sky and UPC Ireland. Based on a quad-play offer of broadband access, TV and mobile and voice telephony, the telco’s new ‘eVision’ offer has gone live to some 450,000 households within its current operational footprint. Available in two basic flavours – a 34 channel and 54 channel bouquet – eVision users can take advantage of incremental bolt-on channels of premium content from the likes of Sky (e.g. Sky Sports and Sky Movies). Eircom is offering existing ‘eFibre’ broadband subscribers the chance to take eVision for an additional EUR10 (USD13.5) per month on their current bill, which includes a free set-top box capable of pausing live TV and recording up to 240 hours of programmes. New users will need to sign up to an Eircom landline to start taking the service, with the firm saying it hopes to expand its FTTx coverage to 1.2 million homes across the country by 2015.