Global Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2023

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a system which includes transmission of multimedia services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network instead of a traditional satellite. In other words, IPTV is a method of distributing multimedia services to the user’s location using IP suite over a packet-switched network, such as internet or local area network (LAN). IPTV works on television, with a set top box connected to the internet, which accesses channels and subscription services along with other interactive multimedia services over a secure, end to end operator data network with desired service quality to the users.

IPTV devices are commonly used with IP set top boxes, mobile video telephones, IP televisions, and portable media players. IPTV services can be classified into three main categories, including live television, time shifted television and video-on-demand (VoD). Live television refers to the real time broadcasting of television events. IPTV offers a pay-per-view service (subscription IPTV), which means watching content offered on cable, re- transmitted to the internet through channel subscription. Time shifted television allows users to replay the content already broadcasted in last few hours. The video-on-demand enables users to select and play the video of their choice from a collection of videos offered by provider. VOD service transmits signal through a single stream and examples include YouTube and Blip.

The increasing penetration of high-speed broadband is increasing the IPTV usage, and thus acting as a key driver for global IPTV market. The pay-per-view system of new business models and rapid growth in demand of smart phones and tablets is also boosting the growth of global IPTV market.

As multimedia features of smartphones and tablets, such as playing movies and TV shows, is supporting the growth of IPTV market, the uncertain network coverage and high prices of cellular networks also create demand for the IPTVs. IPTV service providers have witnessed an increase in adoption of the services across corporate and enterprise segments. The hospitality industry involves greater adoption of IPTV services in order to enhance customer service experience. Internet Protocol Television enables hotels to deliver crisp and clear HD resolution, while at the same time providing virtually limitless entertainment options. It also enables hotels to distribute guest information through in-room television screens, hence providing a more efficient and eco-friendly communication method. This helps hotels in ensuring high customer loyalty, which in turn benefits their business.

Loss of data packets during transmission and delay in transmission are some of the key restraints for the global IPTV market. In developing countries with large customer base and poor infrastructure, the data loss is a common phenomenon due to limited bandwidth of the network. This makes live streaming difficult and create hindrances for the IPTV market.

Asia-Pacific is the largest IPTV subscriber market in the world. Southeast Asia and Latin America are undergoing rapid changes in the domestic fiber network, due to which the IPTV market in these regions are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The major players in the global IPTV market are Wind Telecommunications, Aksh, Alice Home TV, Austar, Belgacom, Arcor (Vodafone), VTC Digicom, Astro, AT&T, Bell Aliant, Bouygues Telecom, BSNL BT, China Netcom, VTC Digicom. China Telecom, Talk Talk Telecom, Telekom Austria, BH Telecom, United Internet, Verizon, Vimpelcom and Amis.