Global pay TV market to add subscribers with revenues to drop by US$25 billion

The global pay TV market is set to add subscribers in the coming years, but revenues are predicted to drop as operators look to remain competitive with cheaper streaming services.

According to Digital TV Research, the global market will add 19 million more pay TV subscribers across 138 countries between 2021 and 2027 with revenues declining by US$25 billion over the same period. 

Revenues will decline in 70 of the 138 countries between 2021 and 2027, with the US market losing the most (US$19 billion).

Global satellite TV revenues are predicted to drop by US$14 billion, with digital cable down by US$10 billion. Analogue cable will lose US$1 billion while IPTV will grow slightly.

Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research, said: “Between 2021 and 2027, 86 countries will add pay TV subs and 52 countries will lose subscribers. Most of the countries gaining pay TV subscribers are developing nations, with low ARPUs. The US will be the biggest loser – down by 12 million subscribers.”