Global pay-TV continues to grow, but saturated in US

The global pay-TV market has continued to grow in the first two quarters of 2013, adding 23 million new subscribers for a 3% increase, according to ABI Research.

Telco TV and satellite TV growth was robust, while cable and terrestrial pay-TV services experienced virtually flat growth.

The ABI pay-TV report states that worldwide pay-TV subscribers will reach 895 million by the end of 2013 to generate service revenue of $245 billion.

Pay-TV market growth is expected in all regions of the world this year, with Asia-Pacific continuing to be the main contributor of subscriber net additions. In contrast, the North American pay-TV market is growing at its slowest rate as a result of near-saturation, with more than 80% penetration.

ABI Research forecasts that more than 1.5 million telco TV subscribers will be added in North America in 2013 to reach 11.9 million subscribers, with the region generating service revenue of $10 billion from the service.

Globally, telco TV service revenue market share is expected to increase more than one percentage point to capture 14% market share. However, cable TV service revenue market share will decrease to 47% in 2013 from 48% in 2013.