New broadband and IPTV statistics unveiled at the Broadband World Forum Europe in Berlin show that the number of people using IPTV services increased by 179% in the 12 months to 30 June 2007.
Europe added over three million subscribers in the 12 months to 30 June 2007, making it the strongest market both in terms of growth (231% in 12 months) and total subscriber numbers (almost five million by 30 June 2007).
“Top markets like France (2,550,000 customers) and Hong Kong (938,000 customers) show that IPTV can be deployed rapidly to large numbers of subscribers, if the market conditions are right,” said Point Topic senior analyst John Bosnell. “On the demand side, competitive and clear bundle pricing and content deals will help to attract customers to IPTV services, while on the supply side, making IPTV easier to install and develop will help to deliver IPTV services to a wider subscriber base.
“Developing and agreeing standards will help to simplify the delivery process and drive higher take-up in other markets too,” he added.
IPTV Subscriber Growth Worldwid, First Half Year 2005, 2006, 2007 | |||
Region | H1 2005 | H1 2006 | H1 2007 |
Europe | 521,000 | 1,505,000 | 4,984,000 |
Asia Pacific | 612,000 | 987,000 | 2,176,000 |
Americas | 267,000 | 409,000 | 1,069,000 |
Other users | 70,000 | 50,000 | 0* |
Total Worldwide | 1,470,000 | 2,950,000 | 8,229,000 |
Source: Data provided for the DSL Forum by Point Topic | |||
*In 2005-2006 the ‘Other users’ category was estimated on the basis of trial information and supplier shipments; in 2007 this category has become unnecessary as official reporting has increased |
A recent study from Taylor Nelson Sofres found that three quarters of US online video viewers watch more video than they did a year ago, whilst more than one half expect to watch even more next year (see Online Video Viewers Watching More Video).
Meanwhile, research from Screen Digest has found that the UK is lagging behind the rest of Europe in its IPTV provision, with only one nationally available IPTV service compared to eight services in France, four major operations in Spain, two in Italy and two in Germany (see UK Failing To Exploit IPTV).