May 2002 (Revised October 2002)
Case
HBS Case Collection

Telewest Communications plc

By: Lynda M. Applegate and Laure Mougeot Stroock

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:34

Abstract

Created in 1992, Telewest has become the second largest broadband communication provider in the United Kingdom, offering telephone, cable television, and cable Internet services, as well as television and online content to the U.K. entertainment market. The first to launch broadband Internet and unmetered access to the Internet in the United Kingdom, the company has become the benchmark to follow in the industry. Broadband Internet and a bundled package (TV/telephone/Internet) have driven Telewest's growth, but Telewest's future is still uncertain as it faces formidable competitors, such as British Telecom and BskyB Broadcasting, the U.K. leader in pay-TV and programming. provider. This case discusses what differentiation or expansion strategies should Telewest adopt as its first-mover advantage erodes and its niche market becomes increasingly crowded.

Keywords

Entrepreneurship; Technological Innovation; Growth and Development Strategy; Industry Structures; Competition; Competitive Strategy; Expansion; Telecommunications Industry; Europe; United Kingdom

Citation

Applegate, Lynda M., and Laure Mougeot Stroock. "Telewest Communications plc." Harvard Business School Case 802-011, May 2002. (Revised October 2002.)