Number of IPTV households reaches 14mn worldwide

April 11, 2008 – The number of households worldwide receiving IPTV services has reached 14mn, compared to 4.7mn in 2006, according to research firm Parks Associates.

In a new whitepaper entitled “TV Services in Europe: Update and Outlook”, the company calculates that Europe leads other regions worldwide and accounts for nearly 60% of IPTV households.  The region reportedly experienced a growth rate of 250% between 2006 and 2007 for IPTV services.

“Telco/IPTV services provide European operators with a critical toehold in attracting and retaining customers,” said Kurt Scherf, Vice President and Principal Analyst of Parks Associates.  “However, IPTV is a small part of a crowded market of terrestrial, satellite and cable offerings, and the competition will be intense.”

One of the key recommendations of the whitepaper is that operators should examine network and customer premise equipment upgrades for features and applications that can personalise the entire television experience and build customer loyalty.

“Service providers must view technology capabilities on two levels,” Scherf added.  “There is certainly a cost-savings perspective, but we would encourage service providers to also view customers as active participants in the convergence of entertainment and communications.”

To view the whitepaper please click here