Telco IPTV Households to Reach 40M in 2009

The number of subscribers worldwide to telco IPTV services will approach 40 million by year-end 2009, according to Parks Associates. The research firm reports the number of telco IPTV households worldwide grew by nearly 80 percent in 2008 to exceed 20 million. The growth rate will exceed 50 percent in 2009.

The strong growth in telco/IPTV services is due partly to aggressive provider deployments, according to the firm’s new white paper, “ IPTV and the Digital Home,” but the most successful rollouts will incorporate multiple services, such as home networking, convergence in entertainment and communications features, and unique interactive services such as quality on-demand programming.

“Telco/IPTV services are a core part of successful digital home strategies, but the appeal of these services is strongest when they are part of a complete service package,” said Kurt Scherf, vice president, principal analyst, Parks Associates. “To edge out incumbent pay-TV providers, telecom operators must move beyond the ‘killer app’ mentality and be holistic in their approach.”

Beyond multichannel lineups, Scherf said telecom operators can differentiate, generate new revenue opportunities and pull subscribers away from competitors through service offerings that include interactive services, unique search and discovery elements, home networking and enhancements to customer support.