European satellite TV figures rise

In Europe 85 million TV homes receive their signal from satellites, up from 84 million in 2011, according to new stats by satellite operator SES. 

Its annual Satellite Monitor market report, SES claimed that over the last four years, satellite has increased its reach in Europe by 17%. With 43% of all digital homes, satellite also continues to be the leading digital TV infrastructure in Europe

Last year’s satellite uptick also compares to a slight decrease in terrestrial TV homes – from 79 million in 2011 to 78 million in 2012. Cable reception also dropped from 69 to 68 million over the same period, SES said. IPTV increased from 16 to 17.5 million homes.

Astra serves 143 million European TV households – 73% of all European satellite homes and 80% of all European satellite HD homes, SES said.