Pay-TV subs rise despite online alternatives

The number of homes worldwide paying to watch television continues to rise, despite a popular view that people are turning to online alternatives, according to the latest quarterly Multiscreen Index published by consultancy firm informitv.

The report shows an overall increase in the digital subscriber numbers of 100 leading pay-television services around the world, across the board, by region or mode of delivery.

The greatest growth is in developing regions but even established markets such as the United States show annual and quarterly gains.

Services delivered by satellite, cable and telephone lines are all gaining subscribers, with telco providers among the leaders.

Sixty per cent of pay-TV services in the Index now deliver to multiple screens other than a traditional television, including smartphones, tablets and other network-connected devices.

“Pay-TV providers are launching multiscreen offerings to head off competition from new online subscription video services,” says Dr William Cooper, the founder and chief executive of informitv. “Our research reveals that there is an increasing trend towards delivering services to multiple screens, from smartphones to smart televisions. Contrary to popular opinion that television subscriptions are in decline, the informitv Multiscreen Index presents a bigger picture that shows the total number of pay-TV subscriptions is increasing, particularly in developing markets.” http://www.asi.eu.com/2014/04/07/pay-tv-subs-rise-despite-online-alternatives/