A study from Digital TV Research across 138 countries calculates that pay-TV subscriber numbers increased by 26 million in 2018 taking the total universe to over a billion.
The Pay TV Databook report found that cable TV accounted for half of all pay-TV subscribers in 2018, down from three-quarters in 2010. IPTV increased its share of pay-TV subscribers to a quarter in 2018 while satellite TV generated 22% of pay-TV subscribers in 2018.
Looking at absolute numbers, IPTV services added 42 million subscribers in 2018 to take its total to 257 million. As it did so, the platform overtook pay satellite TV.
The study noted that satellite TV and pay DTT grew by 2 million and 1 million subscribers respectively in 2018. Digital cable TV added 7 million subs, but analogue cable TV shed 16 million subs, meaning a net loss for cable.
The Digital TV Research also found global pay-TV revenues peaked in 2016 at $205 billion. Revenues fell to $199 billion in 2018.
Looking at absolute numbers, IPTV services added 42 million subscribers in 2018 to take its total to 257 million. As it did so, the platform overtook pay satellite TV.
The study noted that satellite TV and pay DTT grew by 2 million and 1 million subscribers respectively in 2018. Digital cable TV added 7 million subs, but analogue cable TV shed 16 million subs, meaning a net loss for cable.
The Digital TV Research also found global pay-TV revenues peaked in 2016 at $205 billion. Revenues fell to $199 billion in 2018.
