Triple Play

In-Stat has forecasted that video services revenue in the Asia Pacific region will grow by 80 percent each year through 2010, reaching revenues of $4.2 billion. The majority of regional growth will occur in China, Japan, India and South Korea, spurred by increasing broadband penetration.

The Asia Pacific IP-Based Video Services Market Analysis report features market drivers and challenges, and includes IP video revenues by country. Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand are covered.

The report finds that triple-play strategies involving voice, video and data offerings will become the norm for most communication providers in the region. It also shows that IPTV and VOD services are offered freely in deregulated markets like Japan and South Korea, while incumbent carriers in China have not yet obtained IPTV licenses. Other topics covered include IP video on demand, near video on demand and digital television.

While other broadband value-added services markets have been stagnant in recent years, the Asia Pacific IP video services market reached $131.5 million in 2004. A low penetration rate, rising GDP and an increased spending dynamic are all factors in the forecasted growth.

"Increasing broadband penetration gives telcos the opportunity to leverage their investment in broadband networks while broadening their service offerings," said Bryan Wang, In-Stat analyst. "But deployment, launch and marketing strategy specifics are largely still on the drawing board for quite a few carriers."

According to the report, market leading IP-based video services providers in the region will include Yahoo!BB, Korea Telecom, Chunghwa Telecom, PCCW, China Telecom, China Netcom, SingTel and Atlas Interactive India. The report also offers an assessment of business conditions, value chain and price analysis for the region.

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Laura Stotler writes about IP Communications and related topics for TMCnet. She has covered VoIP and related technologies for seven years, contributing to Internet Telephony magazine and TMCnet, and as a freelance writer. To see more articles, please visit: Laura Stotlers columnist page.