Pay TV now in more than half of Russian households

According to iKS-Consulting, the number of pay TV subscribers in Russia at the end of 2011 is to reach 26 million, a growth rate of 21%, giving a household penetration of greater than 50%. iKS expects the number of subscribers to grow to 35 million by 2015, with penetration closer to 67%.

Although cable TV will continue to be the dominant technology, its share will decline from 60% to 52% due to the growth of other technologies. For example, IPTV’s share in 2015 is expected to be more than 10%.

Subscribers by technology (millions):

Segment            2011        2010  Growth %
------------  ---------   ---------  --------
Cable TV           15.5        14.5         7
Satellite TV          9         6.4        41
IPTV                1.5         0.6       142
              ---------   ---------  --------
Overall              26        21.5        21

At present, the 5 largest pay-TV operators account for 72% of the total subscriber base.

Subscriber numbers (2011, thousands):

Operator                  Technology      Subscribers
------------------------  --------------  -----------
Tricolor TV               Satellite TV          7,600
Rostelecom                IPTV, cable TV        5,450
Mobile TeleSystems (MTS)  IPTV, cable TV        2,780
ER-Telecom                Cable TV              1,730
Akado                     Cable TV              1,080