With only around one in four cable homes in CEE receiving digital TV services, the region is like a “bar of gold” for anyone thinking of investing in the industry, according to Guy Bisson, research director, television, IHS.
Speaking in a presentation entitled The Story Behind the Numbers, he also pointed out that CEE had more than caught up with the rest of Europe (WE) in other areas.
For instance, in 2003 TV accounted for 93% of revenues in the region, compared to 63% in WE. By last year, the figure had fallen to 49%, which was even lower than the 54% in WE.
CEE has also witnessed a number of major deals, with 2010 being a boom year, though activity is now picking up in WE.
Meanwhile, the importance of RGUs is underlined by the fact that for a higher number the value of WE homes can be up to three times those in CEE.
Commenting on the cable market in general in Europe, Bisson said that the rollout of DOCSIS 3.0 is effectively complete, with networks in every country able to deliver ultra-fast broadband. Cable is no longer competing on price with DSL but winning on speed.
He also stressed that TV remains important for cable operators as it is not commoditised.
Furthermore, infrastructure matters and is the key to cable’s future.
