Global pay TV market surpassed 900 million subscribers in 2013

​SINGAPORE — The global pay-TV subscriber base increased over 5% in 2013, raising the total to 901.1 million. However the average revenue per user (ARPU) dropped slightly to $23.80 in 2013 from $24.10 in 2012.

“In general, the pay-TV market grew both in terms of subscribers and service revenue across all pay-TV platforms. Overall pay-TV service revenue reached almost $250 billion in 2013,” said Jake Saunders, VP and practice director of core forecasting, ABI Research.

Pay-TV ARPU in North America increased around 4% to $76.00 in 2013. According to major pay-TV operators in North America, the growth in ARPU is due to a growth in the proportion of customers with advanced pay-TV set-top boxes and upgraded High Definition programming packages. Unfavorable currency exchange rates in Latin American countries have contributed to a US Dollar equivalent decline in the pay-TV ARPU for the region at the end of 2013 to $34.6 (5% reduction from 2012).

Subscription of HD-TV services continue to grow in 2013 accounting for 41% of total pay-TV subscriber base in 2013. ABI Research forecasts that the subscriber base of HD-TV services will continue to increase to 57% of total pay-TV subscribers in 2019. As competition in the pay-TV market has increased, operators continue to offer more HD programing services, advanced set-top boxes and innovative services to boost pay-TV ARPU.

ABI Research anticipates that the worldwide pay-TV subscriber base will reach 1.1 billion subscribers in 2019. Increasing broadband connectivity will help IPTV market growth. “The IPTV market is likely to grow at a faster pace than other platforms, with a CAGR of 9% over the next five years to reach 160 million subscribers in 2019. The global pay-TV market is expected to generate $317.5 billion in 2019,” added Khin Sandi Lynn, industry analyst, ABI Research.

ABI Research’s new Market Data product, “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 Market Research.