Nine in 10 MENA households now taking satellite TV

Over nine out of 10 housheholds in 15 countries across the Middle East and North Africa now take satellite TV for pay TV and free-to-air services, up from two thirds four years ago, according to satellite operator Eutelsat’s latest survey.

Out of a population base of 77.1 million TV homes, 92% of TV homes take satellite TV, up from 67% in 2010.

Over the same period, the number of homes receiving analogue terrestrial TV slumped from 18.2 million in 2010 to 4.1 million in 2013. IPTV now accounts for 700,000 homes, mostly in the Gulf states.

Free-to-air TV has increased its share, accounting for 94% of satellite households, up from 90% in 2010.

The number of homes equipped with an HD Ready or Full HD display has crossed a threshold of 20 million, accounting for 29% of TV homes in the region. Penetration of HD consumer equipment in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan is above 50%. Of the 41.3 million homes not equipped for HDTV, 50% intend to buy an HD display within the next 12 months, according to the survey.

The audience of the combined Eutelsat-Nilesat video platform at 7° to 8° West has broken the barrier of 50 million homes in the Middle East and North Africa, according to Eutelsat.

The combined satellite neighbourhood now has an audience of 51.5 million homes, according to the company.

“Our new survey confirms the exceptional dynamics of the video market in the Middle East and North Africa and the key role played by satellites that now reach into more than nine out of ten homes in the region. This result reflects longstanding partnerships between Eutelsat, Gulfsat, Nilesat, Noorsat, Viewsat and anchor media groups, including Al Jazeera, MBC and OSN that are experiencing strong commercial success and are well placed for further expansion in the region,” said Eutelsat chairman and CEO Michel de Rosen.

“The survey also confirms the leadership of the Eutelsat-Nilesat 7/8 West neighbourhood whose audience of more than 50 million homes can receive an unequalled line-up of 1,050 Arabic and international channels. Going forward, we believe that the move to higher quality afforded by HD and, for the future, 4K will further consolidate satellite as a core infrastructure in the region.”