[Via Satellite 05-01-2015] NSR expects satellite linear TV will remain healthy for some time despite the growth of Over-The-Top (OTT) alternatives. The research firm’s new report “Linear TV via Satellite: DTH, OTT & IPTV, 8th Edition” projects an increase of more than 21,000 channels across both Direct-to-Home (DTH) and video distribution platforms by 2024.

NSR notes cord-cutting in North America with weak subscriber growth for DTH persist. However, because access to high quality Internet remains limited in developing regions, these markets are more difficult to reach via OTT.

“Although OTT platforms have become increasingly mature in North America, elsewhere the development of OTT platforms is in its infancy and is expected to have limited impact on traditional video platforms in the short to medium term,” said Alan Crisp, analyst with NSR and lead author of the report.

NSR expects more than 3,500 satellite transponders will be leased in 2024 for DTH and video distribution services globally, but cautions that OTT will continue to grow in significance.

“Nevertheless, longer-term, it will essentially be compulsory for DTH and other pay TV platforms to offer OTT as a supplementary service, to both increase retention amongst existing subscribers, and signing up new subs based on exclusive content, and effectively becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ for content as much as feasibly possible,” stated Crisp.