UPC squaring up for fight with TPSA over cable TV market

After its failed attempt to purchase its greatest rival, Aster, UPC Polska is getting ready for the inevitable clash with TPSA, which is going to enter the market soon. "Cable networks have little opportunity to compete with each other due to the fact they usually provide their services in different areas," Marek Sowa, UPC deputy CEO stated. "The real challenge will be in competing with TPSA, who is going to start providing video-related services." UPC Polska's revenues for 2005 are estimated to reach at least zł.420 million. The figure for the first nine months of last year was zł.320 million. The company has been providing cable TV services for around 1 million customers and internet access for close to 120,000 people. In 2006, UPC Polska will officially spend zł.50-60 million (unofficially this figure is zł.100 million) on the further development of its network and services. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 9) K.J.