France's SFR launches premium triple-play offering

French service provider SFR thinks the best way to the broadband consumer's heart is through the set top box (STB).

Playing into the idea that users want to view their video content regardless of location, SFR has introduced its Neufbox Evolution set-top box that can not only carry 3D TV content on the living room's TV, but allow them to stream it on their mobile phone or tablet computer.

Of course, the triple-play bundle, which also includes voice, broadband data and standard TV, comes at a premium price. Users would have to pay EUR 34.99 ($47) versus the EUR 29.99 ($40) price users pay for standard triple play offerings.

Frank Esser, CEO of SFR, sid the service provider wants to offer its "clients more choice: They can stay with the traditional offer or take the premium one, which has a better user interface, a more powerful box, and lots of new features."

SFR isn't alone in its desires. Competitive provider Iliad, which has seen new subscriber numbers dwindle in recent quarters as more users opt for quad-play offerings from France Telecom (NYSE: FTE) and SFR, said it's going to offer a "major innovation" in its own set-top box offering.

 For more:
- Reuters has this article

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