Worldwide pay-TV subscriber base surpassed 886.5 million at the end of 3Q 2013; a 6% YoY increase, generating US$ 62.6 billion service revenue in the third quarter. “Emerging markets are key drivers of global growth in pay-TV subscribers as developed markets are experiencing flat growth rates,” comments Jake Saunders, VP and practice director.
Pay-TV subscriber base in Western Europe grew less than 2% in 3Q 2013 from 3Q 2012. Notably, the number of subscribers in Spain and Italy has been declining for a number of consecutive quarters. Respectively, pay-TV service providers in Spain and Italy lost over 7% and 2% of their total subscriber base compared to a year ago. Operators blame the weak economic environment for declining subscriber counts, but it is not all doom and gloom in Europe as other markets, such as France, Germany and UK, contributed to regional market growth. Net additions in IPTV subscribers are the prime driver of pay-TV regional growth; other pay-TV platforms saw only marginal increases. ABI Research estimates the IPTV subscriber base in Western Europe increased 1.9 million in 3Q 2013 from 3Q 2012.
In North America, pay-TV subscribers dropped slightly (<1%) from 3Q 2012, mainly due to contracting subscriber counts in the cable TV sector. It is estimated that Cable TV operators in North America lost around 1.7 million subscribers in the last year. In terms of pay-TV service revenue, North America grew nearly 3% from 3Q 2012. “Despite the declining subscriber base, pay-TV service revenue in North America grew due to increased average revenue per user which is driven by an increasing proportion of HD and advanced DVR subscribers,” notes Khin Sandi Lynn, Industry Analyst.
ABI Research forecasts the global pay-TV subscriber base will eclipse 1 billion by 2018, generating service revenue of US$ 229.6 billion. BRIC countries will account for 68% of total net additional subscribers by 2018.
ABI Research’s new “Pay TV ARPU and Revenues” Market Data is updated quarterly and profiles global pay-TV subscription information. Detailed market trends and market forecast information for key regions and countries around the world are provided where available. The study is a part of the company’s Pay TV Research Service.
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
About ABI Research
ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.
ABI Research 是一家全球性的技术情报公司,拥有得天独厚的优势,充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁,通过提供独家研究和专业性指导,推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略,无缝连接这两大主体。
For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.
Americas: +1.516.624.2542
Europe: +44.(0).203.326.0142
Asia: +65 6950.5670