The number of IPTV subscribers will reach nearly 60 million worldwide in 2011, according to “IPTV: From Quadruple Play to Multiplay,” a Parks Associates report that provides forecasts and analyses for the worldwide IPTV market.
IPTV subscriber numbers will reach 10.85 million subscribers worldwide, up from 4.56 million in 2006, according to the report.
That 138% projected growth rate is more than the approximately 125% growth in the number of IPTV subscribers from 2005’s 2.03 million subscribers to 2006’s 4.56 million.
Though Europe now accounts for more than half (51%) of the world’s IPTV subscribers, gradual growth in Asia, North America and the rest of the world are projected to reduce Europe’s share of subscribers to 43% within three years.
“Market forces are pushing European incumbents into nontraditional areas, inspiring growth in multichannel television delivery, greater reliance on residential gateways, and the beginnings of truly converged communications services,” said Kurt Scherf, Parks Associates vice-president and principal analyst.
“The North American model for telcos is going to have to shift from a defensive to an offensive posture for Tier 1 providers to establish a foothold and actually build revenue,” Scherf said.
“Cable and satellite providers won’t stand still while telcos to take their subscribers. Already we are seeing aggressive bundling strategies in the U.S. and a renewed emphasis on hybrid television services in Europe. The IP nature of telco offerings lends itself to some key differentiation. Telcos should explore these possibilities more aggressively.”
