Global IPTV subscriptions pass 12m at end 2007

The total number of IPTV subscribers grew by 117 per cent in 2007 to reach 12.34 million, up from 5.71 million at the end of 2006, according to research by Informa. The biggest world region remains Western Europe, which passed 6.9 million IPTV subscribers in 2007 to account for 57 per cent of the global total. The bulk of subscriptions were in France, where incumbent France Telecom and alternative operators Free, Neuf and Telecom Italia's Alice, had attracted more than 5 million IPTV customers by bundling the service free with broadband. (Advanced-Television)

VOD targets $10 bil in 5 years

Revenue for VOD services will top $10 billion within the next five years, according to a report published by Informa Telecoms & Media. The report indicates that by 2012, 909 million homes will have access to true VOD or near-VOD technology, equivalent to 78% of the world's TV households. (Hollywood Reporter)

Online handset sales to triple in the five years to 2012

Informa Telecoms & Media forecasts the online handset retail market in 2012 to be worth over double its 2007 level. Europe will lead the online market, accounting for 47% of global online handset sales revenues in 2012. North America will hold onto its second place, while Asia Pacific will see a four-fold increase. The report concludes that total handset retail revenues through all channels will reach US$180.9 billion by 2012, up 23% on 2007. (IntoMobile)

Music publishing thrives thanks to back catalogues while sales fall on recording side

Music publishing, which generates revenues when songs are sold or played, has raised its turnover significantly over the past decade, according to a report from Informa Telecoms & Media. In 2006, publishing made up 41% of total music revenues of $12.7bn (£6.4bn) from publishing and recording combined, according to the research firm. Publishing's share of revenues was up markedly on 29%, or $3.6bn, a decade earlier. In the same period, recorded music revenues fell 17% from $9bn to $7.5bn. (The Guardian)