Telco/IPTV households reach 14 million


11 Apr 2008

The number of households in Europe availing of IPTV services delivered by a telephone operator grew by 250pc between 2006 and 2007, Parks Associates has revealed.

The number of households worldwide using telco/IPTV services grew from 4.7 million in 2006 to more than 14 million in 2007, according to a new study by the analyst firm.

Europe accounts for almost 60pc of telco/IPTV households worldwide, which Parks Associates defines as landline-based multichannel and on-demand video services provided by a telephone operator.

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

“Service providers must view advanced technology capabilities on two levels. 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,” Scherf added.

By Niall Byrne