IPTV Will Grow 1000% By 2010: Report

The number of IPTV subscribers will jump tenfold by 2010, according to a new report published by Informa Telecoms & Media.

The report covered 50 countries and found that although there are only 2.5 million subscribers globally today, there will be 25 million subscribers by the end of 2010. Hong Kong is currently the leading market with 475,000 subscribers, but it will drop to eighth position by 2010. At that time, China is estimated to take over the lead spot with 4.9 million subscribers. The U.S. will be in second place with 3.9 million.

According to a statement by the author of the report, Adam Thomas, "IPTV is entering a crucial stage in its development. It is moving away from a technology under trial, into full commercial deployment."

Thomas suggests that IPTV must find a compelling strategy to compete with existing TV services, including low price points, the licensing of unique content, and through technical innovations.