The TV service market up to 5.58 mln subscribers

“The cable industry is obviously facing an increasingly stronger competition against satellite communication systems, but it replies with steady modernization of services, in order to hold on to clients,” Nistoran said.

Preliminary data provided by ANC show that a mere five providers offer services though satellite networks and only one by means of IT technology, of the total 543 operating providers at the end of June 2008. The remainder provide cable television.

The penetration rate of broadcasting programs services in households was 76 percent at the end of the first half of 2008, a 14 percent annual increase. The penetration rate of broadcasting services through satellite networks doubled in the past year, to 27 percent in June 2008.

In terms of the structure of subscribers, 77 percent of these were located in cities and towns, while 23 percent were in the rural area. Major players on the market include RCS&RDS, UPC, and Romtelecom.