Eutelsat Communications has revealed research figures on the number of homes
receiving channels broadcast by eight of its flagship television neighbourhoods
serving Europe, North Africa and the Middle East2. A total of 274 million homes are
now either equipped for Direct-to-Home (DTH) reception or connected to a cable or
IP network offering channels broadcast by a Eutelsat satellite, up from 207 million
in 2010 (+32%). Seventy percent of the 393 million TV homes in the footprint
analysed today watch channels brought to them by a Eutelsat satellite.
All eight neighbourhoods continue to experience audience growth. Eutelsat’s
established HOT BIRD neighbourhood remains in pole position, standing at 138
million DTH, cable and IP homes, up from 122 million in 2010. The fastest growth
was recorded for EUTELSAT 9A whose audience, principally concentrated in Western
Europe, has risen from five million to 14 million, attracting nine million new cable
and DTH homes since 2010.
DTH remains the leading reception mode within the combined audience of the
Eutelsat neighbourhoods measured, accounting for 160 million homes, up from 111
million in 2010 (+44%) and increasing its market share to 58% from 53%. This
growth in particular reflects strong demand for channels broadcasting from two
neighbourhoods:
– The HOT BIRD neighbourhood whose market-leading pay-TV platforms and strong
freeto-air line-up have driven steady expansion to 66 million homes in 2014 from
52 million in 2010;
– Eutelsat’s 7/8° West neighbourhood (shared with Nilesat) whose DTH base in the
Middle East and North Africa has risen to 52 million in 2014 from 27 million homes
in 2010, with an offer of over 1,000 channels.
Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s chief commercial and development officer, commented:
“This extensive research confirms that satellite remains the backbone of digital
broadcasting infrastructure, delivering channels to homes on a DTH basis and
enabling operators of cable and IP networks to enrich and diversify their line-
up.’
