Asia dominates worldwide pay-TV market

Asia dominates the worldwide pay-TV market, accounting for slightly more than 50% of subscribers in 2010, reports the US research firm In-Stat. China alone will encompass 26.3% of the total, followed by the rest of Asia Pacific at 22.3%, North America 15.3% and W. Europe 15.6%.

While IPTV grew faster than cable and satellite in Q4 2009, consistent growth is expected for all pay-TV platforms over the next five years.

“By 2012, there will be nearly three-quarter billion pay-TV subscribers worldwide,” said Norm Bogen, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. “Asia will continue to represent over 50% of pay-TV subscribers through 2014 when we expect total subscribers to reach 855 million.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following: IPTV subscribers increased 9.1% over the previous quarter and 46.1% over the previous year, reaching 33.3 million subscribers in Q4 2009; Eastern Europe and Western Europe combined accounted for 49% of IPTV subscribers in 2009; Worldwide cable subscribers grew 4.4% in 2009; Worldwide satellite subscribers will reach a quarter billion by 2014; In 2010, Asia Pacific will overtake North America as the largest satellite market and Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions show the greatest growth rate in satellite subscribers from 2009–2014.