Worldwide pay TV service revenue to reach $245 billion in 2013

Worldwide Pay TV Service Revenue to Reach USD 245 Billion in 2013 with Telco TV Service Gaining Market Share, Says ABI Research

SINGAPORE — The global Pay TV market continues to grow in the first two quarters of 2013, adding 23 million new subscribers for a 3% increase. In particular, telco TV and satellite TV growth was robust while cable and terrestrial Pay TV services experienced virtually flat growth.

“ABI Research expects that worldwide Pay TV subscribers will reach 895 million by the end of 2013, to generate service revenue of USD 245 billion,” comments Jake Saunders, VP and practice director of core forecasting.

Pay TV market growth is expected in all regions of the world in 2013, although Asia-Pacific will continue to be the main contributor of subscriber net additions. The North America Pay TV market is growing at its slowest rate because it’s already saturated with more than 80% penetration; furthermore, it is weathering headwinds from alternative web-based TV services. The growth in the North America Pay TV market will mainly be driven by the region’s increasing telco TV market.

“North American telco TV operators, such as AT&T and Verizon, have demonstrated strong subscriber additions in the first half of 2013. ABI Research forecasts that more than 1.5 million telco TV subscribers will be added in North America in 2013 to reach 11.9 million subscribers. The region will generate service revenue of USD 10 billion from telco TV service in 2013,” notes Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst.

Globally, telco TV service revenue market share will increase more than one percentage point to capture 14% market share. However, cable TV service revenue market share will decrease to 47% in 2013 from 48% in 2013.

ABI Research’s quarterly updated Market Data product, “Pay TV ARPU and Revenues” 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 ABI Research’s Pay TV Research Service.