Strategy Analytics: pay TV prices remain stable in most countries

The introduction of "skinny bundles" with very limited number of channels is driving the minimum price down in select countries such as Canada and Denmark.

Boston, MA – July 7, 2016 – The Teligen division of Strategy Analytics has released a new report, “Pay TV prices in OECD countries, May 2016,” showing significant differences in Pay TV prices both across countries, and between providers in the same country. The study also shows great variation in the structures and underlying technologies of the Pay TV offers, even when benchmarking the most basic offers from each provider.

Strategy Analytics has reviewed the prices and contents of over 1,900 Pay TV offers in 31 of the OECD countries, using a methodology it has established through a number of client studies in recent years. When selecting the most basic set of user requirements, without specific requirements for content or technical capabilities like HD or recording, the ten countries with lowest prices are Poland, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Hungary.

Even among the cheapest offers per country there are Pay TV packages that include more advanced properties like HD and recording. The range of offers may vary significantly between countries. For the most basic requirements the average monthly price across the 31 countries is US$/PPP 18.94 including VAT/tax. This does not include the TV License fee found in many countries.

Teligen Director Halvor Sannaes says “We are continuing to see significant price changes over time in some of the countries we cover.” Benchmarking Consultant Edouard Bouffenie at Teligen adds that “… In some countries there also appears to be seasonal variations, which we will continue to track. The May update shows less promotions than the November update.” The Pay TV market continues to be affected by technology and new ways of consumption. Many Pay TV operators are now offering multi-screen applications to their customers, giving them the ability to download and view content on devices such as smartphones or tablets to watch outside of home.

The report is currently available on the Strategy Analytics website, under the Teligen section. It will be updated regularly.