The success of streaming services in the North American market continues to take its toll on the pay-TV sector.
New data from Digital TV Research shows the number of pay-TV subs in Canada and the United States will fall from 111 million in 2015 to 60 million in 2029.
The United States will lose 51% of its total, down by 49 million, with Canada down by 23% (3 million). North American pay-TV penetration will drop from 85% in 2015 to 43% by 2029. The US will drop below 50% in 2024.
Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said: “The number of pay TV subscribers across the region plummeted by 41 million between 2015 and 2023. Subscription declines will slow, with a fall of 10 million subscribers between 2023 and 2029.”
Cablenets are slowly fighting back; in December, launched a “first-of-its-kind streaming bundle” that brings together Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max.
The offer, available for the New York operator’s myPlan customers, and offers the ad supported versions for a monthly $10, representing a 40% saving.
