AsiaPac, LatAm to Drive Satellite TV Revenue Increase

LONDON: In 2020, satellite TV revenues from 138 countries across the globe will reach almost $100 billion, with notable gains in India and Brazil, among other Asia Pacific and Latin American markets, according to Digital TV Research.

According to Digital TV Research, satellite revenues will top cable this year, with a total pay-TV market revenue share of 47.8 percent by 2020.

North America will still account for the bulk of satellite TV revenues in 2020, at $43 billion. Western European revenues will shrink to $15.7 million. The second-largest market in 2020 will be Latin America with $17.56 billion in satellite TV revenues. Asia Pacific will account for $12.91 billion.

The U.S. is still the largest market, with revenues of $40.6 billion in 2020. By then Brazil will overtake the U.K. in second place, with $7.6 billion. The U.K. will be ranked third with $6 billion, ahead of India's $4.7 billion (knocking Italy out of the top five) and Mexico's $4.2 billion.

“Satellite TV revenues will decline for 19 countries between 2013 and 2020," said the author of the report, Simon Murray. "Much of this is due to greater competition forcing satellite TV platforms to offer cheaper packages which will lead to lower ARPUs. Furthermore, low-cost satellite TV packages are making a significant impact in several countries.”

The number of pay-TV satellite homes is set to hit 271 million in 2020, up from 192 million last year. India will drive those gains, adding 27.7 million, while Brazil will add 5.8 million and Indonesia 5.4 million. By subscribers, India will continue to lead the pack with 69.2 million in 2020, ahead of the U.S. (35.5 million), Russia (17.3 million), Brazil (17.1 million) and Mexico (10.8 million). While the satellite base will double in 47 countries, it will shrink in 13 in the period from 2013 to 2020.