Advanced Television

Saturated market for DBS

November 18, 2013

The DBS industry posted solid growth over the past five years, supplying a variety of programming to a broadening subscriber base willing to pay a premium for in-home entertainment. New networks, more channels and bonus features have strengthened the industry, even as disposable income dropped during the recession. The introduction of high-definition TV improved the quality of programming and attracted subscribers to higher-margin packages.

IBISWorld expects higher spending on industry services to result in revenue growth of 4.0 per cent over the five years to 2013. In 2013, however, revenue is expected to decrease 0.6 per cent to $38.9 billion, as major companies make large investments that raise expenses and offset the positive influence of increased prices and subscriptions.

According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Sarah Kahn, “Companies in the industry are fighting in a saturated market invaded by fresh external competition.” With satellites already in orbit, the industry’s major players incur low costs per additional subscriber. The cost of acquiring and maintaining subscribers has increased, preventing providers from passing on programming costs to customers. Progressive technologies, such as new data compression formats, have advanced the quality and speed of DBS transmissions, increasing the medium’s marketability. New online services and mobile app devices are mitigating losses stemming from customers migrating to online streaming companies. The threat from these fierce external competitors is expected to increase as internet streaming companies, such as Netflix and Amazon, begin acquiring original content, shoving their way into the industry. Selling advertising space via online content offered to subscribers on an on-demand basis may provide a new revenue stream to satellite TV providers.

The growing availability of online content, along with an expanding market for connected devices, internet-connected TVs and emerging mobile technologies, poses a competitive challenge to traditional TV. “The major players’ ability to continue developing ways to retain and attract subscribers will determine industry revenue growth,” says Kahn. With a significant annual rise in demand from subscribers, IBISWorld forecasts revenue will increase. The Satellite TV Providers industry has a high level of concentration, with the top two companies being DirecTV and Dish Network. Due to high start-up costs, regulation and intense competition, few small producers have managed to develop a niche market.

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