Subscription television market continues to grow in 3rd quarter

The third quarter of 2008 saw continued growth in television services provided by satellite, over the public telephone network and by FWA, while a decline was seen in the cable TV service. The total market continued to grow (3.5%) to reach a total of 2.2 million subscribers, given that the decline in the cable television service was more than offset by growth in the service provided through other technologies, which have increased their relative presence in the market.

In terms of the geographical distribution of subscribers, there was no significant alteration, with the North and Lisbon Regions retaining the largest shares of customers. Penetration remains above average in the Autonomous Regions and in Lisbon.

Meanwhile, in regional terms this distribution varies considerably. In Madeira and Lisbon over 75 per cent of subscribers use cable technology, while in Alentejo, the Centre and Azores almost half use DTH. In the Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve regions one in ten subscription TV subscribers use IP based services.

Of the 2.2 million customers of the service recorded at the end of September, the number of subscribers to the cable television service, with 1.49 thousand subscribers, down 0.3 per cent on the previous quarter, represents 67.3% of the subscriber base. DTH, which grew by 6.8 per cent during the quarter to 561 thousand customers, represents 25.3% of the total subscription television service market. Other technologies (FWA and the public telephone network) account for 7.4% of customers, totalling 163 thousand customers, 37.5% more than in the previous quarter.

Around 7 in every 10 subscribers are customers of Grupo ZON/TV Cabo. Despite this, the operator saw its share of the market decline during the quarter to 71.1% from 74.3% in the previous quarter. Only PTC increased its share in the subscription television service, from 5.4% to 9.5%.

Consult:

• Postal services https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=277884