National TV Digitization Drives 100% IPTV Growth in Asia

IPTV subscriptions worldwide will grow at 70 percent from 2012 to 2017 with 100 percent growth in the Asia-Pacific region, off a large base of 28.5 million subscribers. Global pay-TV subscribers will reach 853.5 million at the end of 2012, with 116 million IPTV subscribers, www.marketwatch.com reports.

Worldwide, cable operators are investing heavily in the digitization of their networks to compete with satellite and IPTV platforms. “Satellite and IPTV networks have been able to deliver better channel selection and higher quality signals than analog TV platforms. When faced with technology changes — including digital terrestrial (DTT) transitions and cable digitization requiring a set-top box, customers are likely to consider satellite and IPTV alternatives,” notes Sam Rosen, practice director, TV & video.

Asia-Pacific is the region with the highest potential of growth due to its market size and growing economy. The growth will depend mainly on China, India, and other countries with low pay-TV penetration such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.