National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of Moldova

A report of the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI), based on statistical data submitted by providers of TV re-transmission services, shows that in nine months of 2012, the number of subscribers to TV program re-transmission services (multichannel TV) increased over the end of last year by 18,3 thousand (+7,2%) and exceeded 274,4 thousand, whereas the penetration rate of these services per 100 population grew by 0,52 p.p. and made 7,7%.

Of the total number of new subscribers, over 9,2 thousand (50,4%) were connected to multichannel TV services based on IPTV technology, 9,1 thousand (49,8%) – via cable networks and 0,2 thousand (0,9%) – via satellite networks (DTH). On October 1, 2012, the share of subscribers to multichannel cable TV was 80,3%, to IPTV services – 16,2%, to DTH – 2,4% and MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) – 1,2%.

As of the same date, LLC „Sun Communications” had the highest number of subscribers to multichannel TV services – 109,9 thousand (40%). JSC „Moldtelecom”  had 42,5 thousand (15,5%), companies „AMT” and  „FOCUS-SAT” – 16,3 thousand (5,9%) and 6,4 thousand (2,4%), the other operators sharing 99,4 thousand (36,2%).

The statistical data show that, in the timeframe under report, the number of subscribers to digital multichannel TV underwent the most dynamic increase – by 16% – from 80,1 thousand at the end of 2011 to 99 thousand. Thus, on October 1, 2012 the share of digital TV subscribers raised to 35,9%, the one of analog TV subscribers was 64,1%.

In this timeframe, the revenues from broadcasting and re-transmission services reached 231,5 million lei, of which about 121,9 million lei represent revenues obtained from multichannel TV service operators. The highest revenues were gained by LLC „Sun Communications” and JSC „Moldtelecom” – 39,6 million lei and 29,5 million lei. The average monthly revenue per user (ARPU) was 51 lei: LLC „Sun Communications” – 40,3 lei, JSC Moldtelecom – 85,1 lei.

In the timeframe under report, the market for TV program re-transmission was operated by 128 providers. In terms of revenues, the most significant market shares were held by LLC „Sun Communications” – 32,5%, LLC „Moldtelecom” – 24,2%, LLC „FOCUS-SAT” – 7% and LLC „AMT” – 4,5%. The rest of providers shared 31,8% of the market.

Other information about the evolution of TV broadcasting and re-transmission services for January – September 2012 are available on the Agency Internet page: www.anrceti.md, section Statistical Data.

November 30, 2012