Author Archives: Bruce Leichtman

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 1,730,000 Subscribers in 2Q 2023

Pay-TV Net Losses Were Similar to Last Year’s Second Quarter

Durham, NH — August 15, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – lost about 1,730,000 net video subscribers in 2Q 2023, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 1,725,000 in 2Q 2022. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 71.9 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having 35.9 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having about 22.7 million subscribers, and the top Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having about 13.4 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 925,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 950,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 690,000 subscribers in 2Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 710,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022
  • Top vMVPDs (including an estimate for YouTube TV) had a net loss of about 115,000 subscribers in 2Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 65,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022

“Pay-TV net losses of about 1.73 million in 2Q 2023 were similar to the losses in last year’s second quarter,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, top pay-TV providers had a net loss of about 5,360,000 subscribers, compared to a net loss of about 4,235,000 over the prior year.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 2Q 2023 Net Adds in 2Q 2023
Cable Companies
Comcast14,985,000(543,000)
Charter14,706,000(200,000)
Altice2,405,900(69,900)
Breezeline296,952(3,732)
Cable One158,100(8,900)
Other major private companies*3,340,000 (100,000)
Total Top Cable35,891,952(925,532)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV**12,350,000(400,000)
DISH TV (DBS)6,901,000(197,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,155,000(70,000)
Frontier (Telco)^^267,000(21,000)
Total Top Other Traditional22,673,000(688,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
YouTube TV^5,900,000200,000
Hulu + Live TV4,300,000(100,000)
Sling TV2,003,000(97,000)
Fubo1,167,000(118,000)

Total Top vMVPD13,370,000(115,000)
Total Top Providers71,934,952(1,728,532)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Mediacom

**   LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

^    LRG estimate

^^  Includes LRG estimate for non-residential subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 840,000 Added Broadband in 2Q 2023

Fixed Wireless Services had Over 800,000 Net Adds for the Fifth Consecutive Quarter

Durham, NH — August 14, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 840,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 2Q 2023, compared to a pro forma gain of about 700,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022.   

These top broadband providers now account for over 112.9 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 76.2 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having about 30.7 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 5.9 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 2Q 2023 were 120% of those in 2Q 2022
  • The top cable companies added about 10,000 subscribers in 2Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 60,000 in 2Q 2022
  • The top wireline phone companies lost about 60,000 total broadband subscribers in 2Q 2023 – similar to about 60,000 net losses in 2Q 2022
    • Wireline Telcos had about 450,000 net adds via fiber in 2Q 2023, and about 510,000 non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 890,000 subscribers in 2Q 2023 – compared to 815,000 net adds in 2Q 2022

“Top broadband providers added about 840,000 subscribers in 2Q 2023, led by another strong quarter from fixed wireless,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Fixed wireless services have acquired over 800,000 net adds in each of the past five quarters, accounting for about 4.45 million net adds in that period.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 2Q 2023Net Adds in 2Q 2023
Cable Companies
Comcast32,305,000 (19,000)
Charter30,586,00077,000
Altice4,576,100(36,600)
Cable One1,057,900(5,100)
Breezeline*680,785(6,734)
Other major private companies**7,035,0000
Total Top Cable 76,240,7859,566
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,304,000(41,000)
Verizon7,562,00034,000
Lumen2,909,000(72,000)
Frontier2,865,0002,000
Windstream^1,175,0000
TDS523,6008,200
Consolidated376,8296,967
Total Top Wireline Phone30,715,429(61,833)
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile3,678,000509,000
Verizon*2,260,000384,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless5,938,000893,000
Total Top Broadband112,894,214840,733
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     Includes reporting adjustments by the company

**    Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Mediacom

^     LRG estimate

TDS residential subscribers, includes 319,400 wireline subscribers and 204,200 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 7% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

83% of U.S. Households Have an SVOD Service

Additional Streaming Services Account for an Incremental 5% of all Households

Durham, NH — August 9, 2023 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 83% of all U.S. households have a subscription video on-Demand (SVOD) service from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and/or Hulu – compared to 83% in 2022, 78% in 2020, 69% in 2018, and 52% in 2015.

Twelve additional streaming video services account for an incremental 5% of all households with at least one SVOD or Direct-to-consumer (DTC) service beyond the top three.  This brings the total to 88% of all households with an SVOD/DTC service – compared to 82% in 2020.  And, 53% of all households have four or more SVOD/DTC services – compared to 33% in 2020.

These findings are based on a survey of 2,101 households nationwide and are part of a new LRG study, Emerging Video Services 2023. This is LRG’s seventeenth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • The mean number of SVOD/DTC services in all households is 4.1 – compared to 2.9 in 2020
  • The mean number of SVOD/DTC services among ages 18-44 is 5.1 – compared to 3.7 among ages 45-64, and 2.2 among ages 65+
  • 42% of all adults stream a top SVOD service daily – compared to 41% in 2021, 30% in 2018, and 16% in 2015
  • Ages 18-44 account for 59% of adults using SVOD daily
  • 57% of adults watch video on non-TV devices (including mobile phones, home computers, tablets, and eReaders) daily – compared to 54% in 2021, 46% in 2018, and 33% in 2015
  • 81% of ages 18-34 watch video on non-TV devices daily – compared to 62% of ages 35-54, and 32% of ages 55+

“The top three SVOD services remain the base of the streaming category, with 83% of all households having one of these services, while 88% of households have any streaming video services.  Yet, as the streaming market has expanded and the total number of services in the home has increased, the top SVOD services’ market share has begun to wane,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Of the fifteen SVOD/DTC services in this survey, the three top SVOD services now account for 43% of all streaming services in consumers’ homes, compared to 56% in 2020.” 

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on the broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer research studies with industry tracking and analysis to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the adoption and impact of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Emerging Video Services 2023 is based on a survey of 2,101 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S.  The survey was conducted in June-July 2023.  The overall online sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.1%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

49% of Adults Watch Video via a Connected TV Device Daily

88% of U.S. TV Households Have at Least One Connected TV Device

Durham, NH — June 2, 2023 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 88% of U.S. TV households have at least one Internet-connected TV device, including connected Smart TVs, stand-alone streaming devices (like Roku, Amazon Fire TV sticks or boxes, Chromecast, or Apple TV), connected video game systems, and/or connected Blu-ray players.  This compares to 82% with at least one connected TV device in 2021, 74% in 2018, and 44% in 2013. 

Overall, 49% of adults in U.S. TV households watch video on a TV via a connected device daily – compared to 39% in 2021, 29% in 2018, and 6% in 2013.  Younger individuals are most likely to use connected TV devices.  Among all ages 18-34, 63% watch video on a TV via a connected device daily – compared to 58% of ages 35-54, and 27% of ages 55+.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,770 TV households in the U.S., and are part of a new LRG study, Connected TVs 2023. This is LRG’s twentieth annual study on TVs in the U.S.

Other findings include:

  • 74% of TV households have at least one connected Smart TV – up from 64% in 2021, 47% in 2018, and 13% in 2013
  • 55% of all TV sets in U.S. households are connected Smart TVs – an increase from 43% in 2021, 29% in 2018, and 7% in 2014
  • 44% of TV households only have Smart TVs for all their TV sets
  • 62% of TV households have at least one stand-alone streaming device – up from 55% in 2021, 46% in 2018, and 6% in 2013
  • 67% of TV households have multiple types of connected TV devices – compared to 62% in 2021, and 49% in 2018
  • The mean age of those with multiple types of connected TV devices is 42.3, while the mean age of those with one type of device is 50.5, and the mean age of those with no connected TV devices is 55.5

“Nearly half of all adults now watch video via a connected TV device daily, a significant increase from 29% five years ago, and 6% a decade ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “While Smart TVs are a key component of the connected TV category, the vast majority of connected TV users stream via multiple types of devices.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Connected TVs 2023 is based on a survey of 1,770 adults ages 18+ from throughout the U.S. in households with a TV set.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic makeup of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in April-May 2023, included a sample of about 1,260 online and about 510 via telephone (including cell phone and landline calls).  The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.3%.  The online sample used exclusively for some questions has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 2,215,000 Subscribers in 1Q 2023

Pay-TV Net Losses Were Higher Than in any Previous Quarter

Durham, NH — May 16, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – lost about 2,215,000 net video subscribers in 1Q 2023, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 1,850,000 in 1Q 2022. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 73.7 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having about 36.8 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having 23.4 million subscribers, and the top Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services (now including an estimate for YouTube TV) having about 13.5 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 1,060,000 video subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 825,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 760,000 subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 625,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022
  • Top vMVPDs had a net loss of about 395,000 subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to a loss of about 400,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022

“Pay-TV net losses of about 2.2 million in 1Q 2023 were more than in any previous quarter,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Similar to recent quarters, the record net losses appear to be as much a function of a slowdown in new connects as an increase in disconnects.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 1Q 2023 Net Adds in 1Q 2023
Cable Companies
Comcast15,528,000(614,000)
Charter14,906,000(241,000)
Altice**2,475,800(60,500)
Breezeline300,684(8,943)
Cable One167,000(14,500)
Other major private companies^3,440,000 (120,000)
Total Top Cable36,817,484(1,058,943)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^12,750,000(350,000)
DISH TV (DBS)7,098,000(318,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,225,000(76,000)
Frontier (Telco)*288,000(18,000)
Total Top Other Traditional23,361,000(762,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
YouTube TV*5,700,000100,000
Hulu + Live TV4,400,000(100,000)
Sling TV2,100,000(234,000)
Fubo1,285,000(160,000)

Total Top vMVPD13,485,000(394,000)
Total Top Providers73,663,484(2,214,943)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   Altice now includes non-residential subscribers

^    Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Mediacom

^^  LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 960,000 Added Broadband in 1Q 2023

Fixed Wireless Services had About 915,000 Net Adds in the Quarter

Durham, NH — May 15, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 960,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 1Q 2023, compared to a pro forma gain of about 1,085,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022.   

These top broadband providers now account for over 112 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 76.2 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having about 30.8 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 5 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 1Q 2023 were 89% of those in 1Q 2022
  • The top cable companies added about 65,000 subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to about 485,000 net adds in 1Q 2022
  • The top wireline phone companies lost about 20,000 total broadband subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to about 65,000 net adds in 1Q 2022
    • Wireline Telcos had about 500,000 net adds via fiber in 1Q 2023, and about 520,000 non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 915,000 subscribers in 1Q 2023 – compared to 530,000 net adds in 1Q 2022

“Top broadband providers added nearly one million subscribers in 1Q 2023, with fixed wireless services accounting for 95% of the quarterly net adds,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, fixed wireless services have accounted for 105% of the approximately 3,400,000 net broadband additions.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 1Q 2023Net Adds in 1Q 2023
Cable Companies
Comcast*32,324,000 5,000
Charter30,509,00076,000
Altice*4,612,700(19,300)
Cable One1,063,0002,600
Breezeline689,903(3,878)
Other major private companies**7,035,0007,000
Total Top Cable 76,233,60367,422
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,345,000(41,000)
Verizon7,528,00044,000
Lumen2,981,000(56,000)
Frontier2,863,00024,000
Windstream^1,175,0000
TDS515,4005,400
Consolidated369,8622,404
Total Top Wireline Phone30,777,262(21,196)
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile3,169,000523,000
Verizon^^1,866,000393,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless5,035,000916,000
Total Top Broadband112,045,865962,226
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     Updated counting of business customers in 1Q 2023

**    Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Mediacom

^     LRG estimate

^^   Includes adjustments from prior reporting

TDS residential subscribers, includes 310,700 wireline subscribers and 204,700 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 7% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

27% of Streaming Video Services are Shared

12% of DTC Streaming Services are Fully Paid for by Someone Outside the Household

Durham, NH — March 20, 2023 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 86% of U.S. households have at least one streaming video service from fifteen top subscription video on-Demand and direct-to-consumer (DTC) services, and 50% of households have four or more DTC streaming video services. 

However, not all DTC services are paid for directly by those who use them.  The study found that:

  • 68% of all DTC services are fully paid for and are not shared with others outside the household
  • 27% of all DTC services are used in more than one household:
    • 13% of DTC services are used and paid for by those that also share them with someone outside the household
    • 12% of DTC services are used in one household but are borrowed from another household that is paying for the service
    • 2% of DTC services are used by multiple households that share costs
  • 5% of DTC services are not paid for because they come with another service

These findings are based on an online survey of 3,501 households from throughout the United States and are part of a new LRG study, Internet-Delivered TV Services 2023. This is LRG’s sixth annual study focused on the vMVPD category, along with other DTC streaming video services.

Other findings from the study include:

  • Among all ages 18-44, the mean number of DTC streaming services is 4.8 – compared to 4.0 among ages 45-54, and 2.5 among ages 55+
  • Among ages 18-34, 17% of all DTC services are fully paid for by someone else – compared to 8% among ages 35+
  • Ages 18-34 account for 55% of all DTC services that are fully paid for by someone else
  • 14% with Netflix have the service fully paid for by someone else – compared to 13% with HBO Max, and 12% with Hulu
  • Adults ages 18-44 account for 59% of all with a vMVPD pay-TV service
  • 73% of vMVPD subscribers are very satisfied with their service – compared to 77% in 2021, and 69% in 2018
  • 22% of all vMVPD services are shared by multiple households, including 8% of all vMVPD services that are fully paid for by someone outside the household  

“About six out of every seven households now have a streaming video service, and half of all households have four or more streaming services.  Yet, many of these services are being shared,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Over one-quarter of all DTC services are shared with others outside the household, including 12% of all DTC services that are ‘borrowed’ from someone else’s subscription.  Overall, 17% of households have at least one DTC service that is fully paid for by someone else.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Internet-Delivered TV Services 2023 is based on an online survey of 3,501 adults age 18+ from throughout the  U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S. The survey was conducted in February 2023.  The overall online sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 1.7%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 5,900,000 Subscribers in 2022

Pay-TV Net Losses in 2022 Were About 1.2 Million More Than in 2021

Durham, NH — March 3, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 92% of the market – lost about 5,880,000 net video subscribers in 2022, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 4,700,000 in 2021.

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 70.2 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having about 37.8 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having 24.1 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having 8.3 million subscribers.

Key findings for the year include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 3,530,000 video subscribers in 2022 – compared to a loss of about 2,695,000 subscribers in 2021
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 2,720,000 subscribers in 2022 – compared to a loss of about 2,890,000 subscribers in 2021
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs (not including YouTube TV, which does not regularly report results) added about 370,000 subscribers in 2022 – compared to a gain of about 885,000 subscribers in 2021
  • Traditional pay-TV services (not including vMVPD) had a net loss of about 6,250,000 subscribers in 2022 – compared to a net loss of about 5,585,000 in 2021

“The top pay-TV providers had a net loss of about 5.9 million subscribers, compared to a pro forma loss of about 4.7 million subscribers in 2021, and 4.9 million in 2020,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “At the end of 2022, top pay-TV providers had about 70.2 million subscribers, down from 95.5 million at the end of 2012.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 2022 Net Adds in 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast16,142,000(2,034,000)
Charter15,147,000(686,000)
Cox*3,050,000(340,000)
Altice2,439,000(293,300)
Mediacom*510,000(62,000)
Breezeline**309,627(37,102)
Cable One**181,500 (79,500)
Total Top Cable37,779,127(3,531,902)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^13,100,000(1,500,000)
DISH TV (DBS)7,416,000(805,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,301,000(343,000)
Frontier (Telco)*306,000(74,000)
Total Top Other Traditional24,123,000(2,722,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,500,000200,000
Sling TV2,334,000(152,000)
fuboTV1,445,000323,000

Total Top vMVPD^^8,279,000371,000
Total Top Providers70,181,127(5,882,902)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

^^  List does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results.  YouTube noted in a blog post that the TV service had “5 million subscribers and trialers” at the end of June 2022.

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 92% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 3,500,000 Added Broadband From Top Providers in 2022

Fixed Wireless Services Accounted for 90% of the Broadband Net Adds in 2022

Durham, NH — March 2, 2023 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 95% of the market – acquired about 3,500,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 2022, compared to a pro forma gain of about 3,725,000 subscribers in 2021.   

These top broadband providers account for about 110.5 million subscribers, with top cable companies having 75.6 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having 30.8 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having 4.1 million subscribers.

Findings for the year include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 2022 were 94% of those in 2021
  • The top cable companies added about 515,000 subscribers in 2022 – compared to about 2.8 million net adds in 2021
  • The top wireline phone companies lost about 180,000 total broadband subscribers in 2022 – compared to about 210,000 net adds in 2021
    • Wireline Telcos had about 2 million net adds via fiber in 2022, offset by about 2.2 million non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 3,170,000 subscribers in 2022 – compared to about 730,000 net adds in 2021

“Top broadband providers added about 3.5 million subscribers in 2022.  Fixed wireless services accounted for 90% of the net broadband additions in 2022, compared to 20% of the net adds in 2021,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Total broadband net adds in 2022 were slightly lower than last year, and down from about 5 million in 2020, but were more than in any year from 2012-2019.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 2022Net Adds in 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast32,151,000 250,000
Charter30,433,000344,000
Cox*5,560,00030,000
Altice4,282,900(103,300)
Mediacom*1,468,0005,000
Cable One**1,060,40014,400
Breezeline**693,781(22,997)
Total Top Cable 75,649,081517,103
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,386,000(118,000)
Verizon7,484,000119,000
Lumen^3,037,000(253,000)
Frontier2,839,00040,000
Windstream*1,175,00010,300
TDS510,00019,700
Consolidated**367,458724
Total Top Wireline Phone30,798,458(181,276)
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile2,646,0002,000,000
Verizon1,452,0001,171,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless4,098,0003,171,000
Total Top Broadband110,545,5393,506,827
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    Includes the impact of a divestiture completed in October 2022

TDS residential subscribers, includes 305,200 wireline subscribers and 204,800 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6.5% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 95% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

90% of U.S. Households Get an Internet Service at Home

The Majority of Those not Online at Home do not use a Computer

Durham, NH – December 22, 2022 – New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 90% of U.S. households get an Internet service at home, compared to 84% in 2017, and 74% in 2007.  Broadband accounts for 99% of households with an Internet service at home, and 89% of all households get a broadband Internet service – an increase from 82% in 2017, and 53% in 2007.

This study also found that 90% of households use a laptop or desktop computer, an increase from 85% in 2017.  Of those that use a laptop or desktop computer at home, 96% have an Internet service at home.  Those that do not use a laptop or desktop computer at home account for 58% of all that do not get an Internet service at home.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,910 households from throughout the United States and are part of a new LRG study, Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2022.  This is LRG’s twentieth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • Individuals ages 65+ account for 34% of those that do not get an Internet service at home
  • 56% of broadband subscribers are very satisfied (8-10 on a 1-10 scale) with their Internet service at home, while 6% are not satisfied (1-3). 
  • 44% of broadband subscribers do not know the download speed of their service – compared to 60% in 2017
  • 61% reporting Internet speeds of >100 Mbps are very satisfied with their service, compared to 41% with speeds <50 Mbps, and 57% that do not know their speed
  • 40% of broadband households get a bundle of services from a single provider – compared to 64% in 2017, and 78% in 2012
  • 59% of adults with an Internet service at home watch video online daily – compared to 59% in 2020, 43% in 2017, and 17% in 2012

“The percentage of households getting an Internet service at home, including high-speed broadband, is higher than in any previous year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Computer usage and knowledge remain the foundation for Internet services in the home.  Among those that do not get an Internet service at home, 58% also do not use a computer at home.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on the broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer research studies with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the adoption and impact of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2022 is based on a survey of 1,910 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in November 2022, included a sample of 652 via telephone (including landline and cell phone calls) used to track the presence of Internet services in the home, and an additional sample of 1,258 with an Internet service at home via an online sample.  The phone sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 3.8%.  The combined phone and online samples of those with an Internet service at home has a margin of error of +/- 2.3%.  The online sample solely used for some questions has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 825,000 Added Broadband in 3Q 2022

Fixed Wireless Services Had 925,000 Net Adds in the Quarter

Durham, NH — November 15, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 825,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 3Q 2022, similar to a pro forma gain of about 820,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021.   

These top broadband providers account for about 110.8 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.6 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having over 32 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 3.2 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 3Q 2022 were 101% of those in 3Q 2021
  • The top cable companies added about 40,000 subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to about 590,000 net adds in 3Q 2021
  • The top wireline phone companies lost about 135,000 total broadband subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to about 40,000 net adds in 3Q 2021
    • Wireline Telcos had about 550,000 net adds via fiber in 3Q 2022, and about 685,000 non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 920,000 subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to about 190,000 net adds in 3Q 2021

“Top broadband providers added about 825,000 subscribers in 3Q 2022, including 920,000 net adds for fixed wireless services, along with a minor gain for cable, and net losses for wireline phone providers,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, fixed wireless services have accounted for nearly 80% of the approximately 3,260,000 net broadband additions.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 3Q 2022Net Adds in 3Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast32,177,000 14,000
Charter30,328,00075,000
Cox*5,560,0000
Altice4,290,600(43,000)
Mediacom*1,468,0000
Cable One**1,062,0003,000
Breezeline**707,954(9,965)
Total Top Cable 75,593,55439,035
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,452,000(57,000)
Verizon7,447,00035,000
Lumen4,256,000(121,000)
Frontier2,831,0004,000
Windstream1,175,000(3,500)
TDS506,5005,700
Consolidated381,912699
Total Top Wireline Phone32,049,412(136,101)
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile2,122,000578,000
Verizon^1,063,000342,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless3,185,000920,000
Total Top Broadband110,827,966822,934
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    Verizon adjusted net adds and totals for fixed wireless from prior quarters

TDS residential subscribers, includes 302,000 wireline subscribers and 204,500 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6.5% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 785,000 Subscribers in 3Q 2022

Publicly Reporting vMVPDs Added About 900,000 Subscribers in the Quarter

Durham, NH — November 14, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 92% of the market – lost about 785,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2022, compared to a pro forma net loss of 650,000 in 3Q 2021. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 71.4 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having about 38.6 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having about 24.8 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having over 8 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 980,000 video subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 700,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 700,000 subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 630,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs added about 900,000 subscribers in 3Q 2022 – compared to a gain of about 680,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021

“Spurred by a strong quarter from Internet-delivered vMVPD services, pay-TV net losses of about 785,000 in 3Q 2022 were more modest than in the first two quarters of the year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Not including YouTube TV, which does not regularly report subscriber totals, vMVPDs had nearly 900,000 net additions in the quarter.  This was the third most quarterly net adds ever for the top publicly reporting vMVPD services.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 3Q 2022 Net Adds in 3Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast16,582,000(562,000)
Charter15,291,000(204,000)
Cox*3,140,000(90,000)
Altice2,491,800(82,400)
Mediacom*525,000(15,000)
Breezeline**323,038(9,274)
Cable One**202,000 (19,000)
Total Top Cable38,554,838(981,674)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^13,500,000(400,000)
DISH TV (DBS)7,607,000(184,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,383,000(96,000)
Frontier (Telco)*322,000(21,000)
Total Top Other Traditional24,812,000(701,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,400,000400,000
Sling TV2,411,000214,000
fuboTV1,231,000284,265

Total Top vMVPD^^8,042,000898,265
Total Top Providers71,408,838(784,409)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

^^  List does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results.  YouTube noted in a blog post that the TV service had “5 million subscribers and trialers” at the end of June 2022.

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 92% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

66% of TV Households Have a Live Pay-TV Service

About One-Third of Non-Subscribers Never had a Pay-TV Service

Durham, NH — October 21, 2022 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 66% of TV households nationwide have some form of pay-TV service.  The percentage of TV households that have a live pay-TV service (via cable, satellite, Telco, or Internet-delivered vMVPD) is down from 79% in 2017, 88% in 2012, and 85% in 2007.

Non-subscribers to pay-TV services break into three similar-sized groups based on their prior pay-TV subscription.  About 31% of non-subscribers last had a pay-TV service within the past three years, 35% last had a pay-TV service over three years ago, and 34% never had a pay-TV service.  Among those that never had a pay-TV service, 52% are ages 18-34, compared to 27% of former pay-TV subscribers.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,850 households from throughout the United States, and are part of a new LRG study, Pay-TV in the U.S. 2022. This is LRG’s twentieth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • 73% of adults ages 45+ have a pay-TV service – compared to 57% of ages 18-44
  • 46% of those that moved in the past year do not currently have a pay-TV service – a higher level than in previous years
  • 73% of households with three or more TVs have a pay-TV service – compared to 65% with two TVs, and 52% with one TV
  • The mean annual household income of pay-TV subscribers is 11% higher than the mean income of non-subscribers
  • 13% of pay-TV subscribers are likely to switch from their provider in the next six months – compared to 14% in 2020, and 13% in 2017

“Two-thirds of U.S. TV households now get a live pay-TV service, a significant decrease from 79% five years ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “The decline in pay-TV subscribers is not solely a function of those disconnecting services, but is also related to a slowdown in those entering or reentering the category.  Overall, about 10.5% of TV households last subscribed to a pay-TV service in the past three years, 12% last subscribed over three years ago, and 11.5% never subscribed.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on the broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer research studies with industry tracking and analysis to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the adoption and impact of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Pay-TV in the U.S. 2022 is based on a survey of 1,850 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in September 2022, included a sample of about 1,235 online and about 615 via telephone (including landline and cell phone calls).  The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.3%.  The online sample used exclusively for some questions has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

59% of Adults Watch Video on Non-TV Devices Daily

83% of Ages 18-34 Watch Video on Non-TV Devices Daily

Durham, NH — August 24, 2022 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 59% of adults in the U.S. watch video on non-TV devices (including mobile phones, home computers, tablets, and eReaders) daily – compared to 55% in 2020, 43% in 2017, and 18% in 2012.

Younger individuals are most likely to watch video on non-TV devices.  Among all ages 18-34, 83% watch video on a non-TV device daily – compared to 64% of ages 35-54, and 35% of ages 55 and above.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,900 households nationwide and are part of a new LRG study, Emerging Video Services 2022. This is LRG’s sixteenth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • 51% of adults watch YouTube on a non-TV device daily – followed by news clips at 35%
  • 50% of adults watch video on a mobile phone daily – up from 44% in 2020, and 33% in 2017
  • 83% of households have a subscription video on-Demand (SVOD) service from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and/or Hulu – compared to 78% in 2020, and 64% in 2017
  • Overall, 64% of U.S. households now have more than one SVOD service – compared to 55% in 2020, and 33% in 2017
  • 43% of all adults stream a top SVOD service daily – compared to 40% in 2020, and 29% in 2017
  • Including eleven additional streaming video services, the mean number of SVOD/DTC services among all households is 3.6 – compared to 2.9 in 2020

“Nearly 60% of adults now watch video on a non-TV device daily.  This includes half of all adults watching video on a mobile phone every day, up from one-third of adults five years ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “While non-TV devices provide the ability to watch video anywhere, the most common location for watching video on non-TV devices continues to be in the home.  Eighty-two percent of those who watch video on a mobile phone, and 85% of those who watch video on a tablet or eReader, do so at home.” 

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on the broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer research studies with industry tracking and analysis to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the adoption and impact of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Emerging Video Services 2022 is based on a survey of 1,900 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in June-July 2022, included a sample of about 1,265 online and about 635 via telephone (including landline and cell phone calls).  The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.3%.  The online sample used exclusively for some questions has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 1,925,000 Subscribers in 2Q 2022

Pay-TV Net Losses Were Similar to Last Quarter

Durham, NH — August 12, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 92% of the market – lost about 1,925,000 net video subscribers in 2Q 2022, compared to a pro forma net loss of 1,235,000 in 2Q 2021. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 72.2 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having about 39.5 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having about 25.5 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having about 7.2 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 950,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 590,000 subscribers in 2Q 2021
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 710,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 700,000 subscribers in 2Q 2021
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs had a net loss of about 265,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to a gain of about 55,000 subscribers in 2Q 2021

“The second quarter of 2022 marked the second consecutive quarter with over 1.9 million net pay-TV losses,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, top pay-TV providers had a net loss of about 5,425,000 subscribers, compared to a net loss of about 4,550,000 over the prior year.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 2Q 2022 Net Adds in 2Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast17,144,000(520,000)
Charter15,495,000(226,000)
Cox*3,230,000(80,000)
Altice2,574,200(84,500)
Mediacom*540,000(15,000)
Breezeline**332,312(6,709)
Cable One**221,000 (17,000)
Total Top Cable39,536,512(949,209)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^13,900,000(400,000)
DISH TV (DBS)7,791,000(202,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,479,000(87,000)
Frontier (Telco)*343,000(20,000)
Total Top Other Traditional25,513,000(709,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,000,000(100,000)
Sling TV2,197,000(55,000)
fuboTV946,735(109,510)

Total Top vMVPD^^7,143,735(264,510)
Total Top Providers72,193,247(1,922,719)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

^^  List does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results.  YouTube noted in a blog post that the TV service had “5 million subscribers and trialers” at the end of June 2022.

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 92% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 670,000 Added Broadband in 2Q 2022

Fixed Wireless Services Had Over 800,000 Net Adds in the Quarter

Durham, NH — August 11, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 670,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 2Q 2022, compared to a pro forma gain of about 1,000,000 subscribers in 2Q 2021.   

These top broadband providers account for about 110 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.6 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having about 32.2 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 2.2 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 2Q 2022 were 67% of those in 2Q 2021
  • The top cable companies lost about 60,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to about 840,000 net adds in 2Q 2021
  • The top wireline phone companies lost about 85,000 total broadband subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to about 50,000 net adds in 2Q 2021
    • Wireline Telcos had about 490,000 net adds via fiber in 2Q 2022, and about 575,000 non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 815,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022 – compared to about 120,000 net adds in 2Q 2021

“Top broadband providers added about 670,000 subscribers in 2Q 2022, reflecting over 800,000 net adds for fixed wireless services, along with modest net losses for cable and wireline phone providers,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, there were about 3,260,000 net broadband adds, with fixed wireless services accounting for 56% of them.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 2Q 2022Net Adds in 2Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast32,163,000 0
Charter30,253,000(21,000)
Cox*5,560,0000
Altice4,333,600(39,600)
Mediacom*1,468,0000
Cable One**1,059,0002,000
Breezeline**717,919(1,689)
Total Top Cable 75,554,519(60,289)
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,509,000(24,000)
Verizon7,412,00012,000
Lumen4,377,000(90,000)
Frontier2,827,0008,000
Windstream1,178,5002,500
TDS^500,8005,600
Consolidated381,2131,063
Total Top Wireline Phone32,185,513(84,837)
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile1,544,000560,000
Verizon700,000256,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless2,244,000816,000
Total Top Broadband109,984,032670,874
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    TDS now only reports residential subscribers, includes 296,800 wireline subscribers and 204,000 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

46% of Adults Watch Video via a Connected TV Device Daily

87% of U.S. TV Households Have at Least One Connected TV Device

Durham, NH — June 3, 2022 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 87% of U.S. TV households have at least one Internet-connected TV device, including connected Smart TVs, stand-alone streaming devices (like Roku, Amazon Fire TV sticks or boxes, Chromecast, or Apple TV), connected video game systems, and/or connected Blu-ray players.  This compares to 80% with at least one connected TV device in 2020, 69% in 2017, and 38% in 2012. 

Overall, 46% of adults in U.S. TV households watch video on a TV via a connected device daily – compared to 40% in 2020, 25% in 2017, and 4% in 2012.  Younger individuals are most likely to use connected TV devices.  Among all ages 18-34, 62% watch video on a TV via a connected device daily – compared to 54% of ages 35-54 and 24% of ages 55+.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,902 TV households in the U.S., and are part of a new LRG study, Connected TVs 2022. This is LRG’s nineteenth annual study on TVs in the U.S.

Other findings include:

  • 71% of TV households have at least one connected Smart TV – up from 58% in 2020, 41% in 2017, and 11% in 2012
  • 50% of all TV sets in U.S. households are connected Smart TVs – an increase from 39% in 2020, 24% in 2017, and 7% in 2014
  • 59% of TV households have at least one stand-alone streaming device – up from 56% in 2020, 40% in 2017, and 4% in 2012
  • Across all households (including those with no connected TV devices) there is a mean of 3.9 devices per TV household – compared to 3.2 in 2020, and 2.4 in 2017
  • Across all households, the mean number of stand-alone streaming devices is 1.5 – compared to 1.3 connected Smart TVs
  • On a daily basis, 28% of adults watch video on a TV via a stand-alone device, 27% via an Internet-enabled Smart TV app, 12% via a connected game system, and 3% via a connected Blu-ray player

“The data in this study indicate that there are now nearly 500 million connected TV devices in U.S. TV households.  This is an increase from about 300 million connected TV devices in 2017,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Along with this increase in the number of devices, the percent of adults in the U.S. using these connected devices to watch video on a TV each day has significantly increased—growing from twenty-five to forty-six percent—in the past five years.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Connected TVs 2022 is based on a survey of 1,902 adults ages 18+ from throughout the U.S. in households with a TV set.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic makeup of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in April-May 2022, included a sample of about 1,275 online and about 625 via telephone (including landline and cell phone calls).  The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.2%.  The online sample used exclusively for some questions has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.7%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 1,065,000 Added Broadband in 1Q 2022

Fixed Wireless Services Accounted for Half of the Net Adds in the Quarter

Durham, NH — May 18, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers and fixed wireless services in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 1,065,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 1Q 2022, compared to a pro forma gain of about 1,120,000 subscribers in 1Q 2021.   

These top broadband providers account for about 109.3 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.6 million broadband subscribers, top wireline phone companies having about 32.3 million subscribers, and top fixed wireless services having about 1.4 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 1Q 2022 were 95% of those in 1Q 2021
  • The top cable companies added about 480,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022 – 52% of the net additions for the top cable companies in 1Q 2021
  • The top wireline phone companies added about 50,000 total broadband subscribers in 1Q 2022 – compared to about 80,000 net adds in 1Q 2021
    • Wireline Telcos had about 480,000 net adds via fiber in 1Q 2022, and about 430,000 non-fiber net losses
  • Fixed wireless/5G home Internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon added about 530,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022 – compared to 110,000 net adds in 1Q 2021

“Top broadband providers added over one million subscribers in 1Q 2022, similar to last year’s first quarter, but the distribution of net broadband additions differed from a year ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Fixed wireless services accounted for half of the net broadband adds in 1Q 2022, compared to about 10% of the net adds in 1Q 2021.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 1Q 2022Net Adds in 1Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast32,163,000 262,000
Charter30,274,000185,000
Cox*5,560,00030,000
Altice**4,373,200(13,000)
Mediacom*1,468,0005,000
Cable One**1,057,00011,000
Breezeline**719,6082,830
Total Top Cable 75,614,808482,830
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,533,00029,000
Verizon7,400,00035,000
Lumen4,470,000(49,000)
Frontier2,819,00020,000
Windstream1,176,00011,300
TDS^495,2004,900
Consolidated380,150(850)
Total Top Wireline Phone32,273,35050,350
Fixed Wireless Services
T-Mobile984,000338,000
Verizon433,000194,000
Total Top Fixed Wireless1,417,000532,000
Total Top Broadband109,305,1581,065,180
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    TDS now only reports residential subscribers, includes 290,600 wireline subscribers and 204,600 cable subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6% of the total are non-residential

Top broadband providers represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

Fixed wireless services were added to the list of top providers this quarter, replacing a cable company and a wireline phone company

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 1,950,000 Subscribers in 1Q 2022

Annual Net Losses Similar to Last Year

Durham, NH — May 17, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 93% of the market – lost about 1,955,000 net video subscribers in 1Q 2022, compared to a pro forma net loss of 1,910,000 in 1Q 2021, and 1,960,000 in 1Q 2020. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 74.1 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having about 40.5 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having 26.2 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having about 7.4 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 825,000 video subscribers in 1Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 780,000 subscribers in 1Q 2021
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 625,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 865,000 subscribers in 1Q 2021
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs had a net loss of about 505,000 subscribers in 1Q 2022 – compared to a loss of about 265,000 subscribers in 1Q 2021

“Pay-TV net losses of about 1.95 million in 1Q 2022 were similar to the net losses in the first quarters of 2021 and 2020,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, top pay-TV providers had a net loss of 4,735,000 subscribers, similar to a loss of about 4,820,000 over the prior year.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 1Q 2022 Net Adds in 1Q 2022
Cable Companies
Comcast17,664,000(512,000)
Charter15,721,000(112,000)
Cox*3,310,000(80,000)
Altice**2,658,700(73,600)
Mediacom*555,000(17,000)
Breezeline**339,021(7,708)
Cable One**238,000 (23,000)
Total Top Cable40,485,721(825,308)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^14,300,000(300,000)
DISH TV (DBS)7,993,000(228,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,566,000(78,000)
Frontier (Telco)*363,000(17,000)
Total Top Other Traditional26,222,000(623,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,100,000(200,000)
Sling TV2,252,000(234,000)
fuboTV1,056,245(73,562)

Total Top vMVPD^^7,408,245(507,562)
Total Top Providers74,115,966(1,955,870)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    LRG estimate, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream

^^  List does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

33% With Netflix Share the Service

15% With Netflix Have the Service Fully Paid for by Someone Outside the Household

Durham, NH — March 29, 2022 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 83% of U.S. households have at least one streaming video service from fifteen top direct-to-consumer (DTC) and subscription video on-Demand (SVOD) services; including 67% of all households with Netflix. 

However, not all Netflix and other DTC services are paid for directly by those who use them.  The study found that:

  • 64% with Netflix fully pay for the service and do not share it with others outside the household
  • 33% of Netflix services are used in more than one household:
    • 15% of Netflix services are used and paid for by those that also share them with someone outside the household
    • 15% of Netflix services are used in one household but are borrowed from another household that is paying for the service
    • 3% of services are used by multiple households that share costs
  • 3% of Netflix services are not paid for because they come with another service

These findings are based on an online survey of 4,400 households from throughout the United States and are part of a new LRG study, Internet-Delivered Pay-TV Services 2022. This is LRG’s fifth annual study focused on the vMVPD category, along with other DTC streaming video services.

Other findings from the study include:

  • 29% of all DTC services are shared with others outside the household
  • 12% of all DTC services are fully paid for by someone outside the household
  • 34% of adults ages 18-34 have at least one DTC service that is fully paid for by someone else – compared to 14% of ages 35+
  • 5% of all households had Netflix in the past year, but currently do not – similar to 6% for Hulu, 5% for Amazon Prime, and 5% for live pay-TV services
  • Adults ages 18-44 account for 65% of all with a vMVPD pay-TV service
  • 79% of vMVPD subscribers are very satisfied with their service – compared to 76% in 2020, and 69% in 2018
  • 23% of all vMVPD services are shared by multiple households, including 7% of all vMVPD services that are fully paid for by someone outside the household  

“Password sharing is an inherent feature of most streaming services.  Sharing helps to expand the user base and retain customers, but it also creates a gap between the number of households that have a service and actual paying subscribers,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “For example, about two-thirds of U.S. households report having Netflix, but this includes about 10% of U.S. households that don’t pay for the service because it is borrowed from someone else’s subscription.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Internet-Delivered Pay-TV Services 2022 is based on an online survey of 4,400 adults age 18+ from throughout the  U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S. The survey was conducted in February 2022.  The overall online sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 1.5%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 4,700,000 Subscribers in 2021

Pay-TV Net Losses in 2021 Were Similar to 2020

Durham, NH — March 8, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 93% of the market – lost about 4,690,000 net video subscribers in 2021, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 4,870,000 in 2020.

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 76.1 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having 41.3 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having over 26.8 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having 7.9 million subscribers.

Key findings for the year include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 2,695,000 video subscribers in 2021 – compared to a loss of about 1,940,000 subscribers in 2020
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 2,890,000 subscribers in 2021 – compared to a loss of about 3,845,000 subscribers in 2020
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs added about 895,000 subscribers in 2021 – compared to a gain of about 915,000 subscribers in 2020
  • Traditional pay-TV services (not including vMVPD) had a net loss of about 5,585,000 subscribers in 2021 – compared to a net loss of about 5,785,000 in 2020

“While the pay-TV industry continued to lose subscribers, net losses in 2021 were fairly similar to those in recent years,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “In 2021, the top pay-TV providers had a net loss of about 4.7 million subscribers, compared to a pro forma loss of about 4.9 million subscribers in 2020, and a loss of 4.1 million in 2019.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 2021 Net Adds in 2021
Cable Companies
Comcast18,176,000(1,670,000)
Charter15,833,000(367,000)
Cox*3,390,000(260,000)
Altice**2,732,300(240,900)
Mediacom572,000(71,000)
Breezeline/Atlantic Broadband**346,729(36,271)
Cable One**261,000 (50,000)
Total Top Cable41,311,029(2,695,171)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^14,600,000(1,905,000)
DISH TV (DBS)8,221,000(595,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,644,000(283,000)
Frontier (Telco)*380,000(105,000)
Total Top Other Traditional26,845,000(2,888,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,300,000300,000
Sling TV2,486,00012,000
fuboTV1,129,807581,927

Total Top vMVPD^^7,915,807893,927
Total Top Providers76,071,836(4,689,244)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG pro forma estimate of net adds

^    LRG estimate.  Formerly AT&T Premium TV, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV).

^^  vMVPD does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 2,950,000 Added Broadband From Top Providers in 2021

Broadband Additions in 2021 Were Higher Than in Each Year From 2016-2019

Durham, NH — March 7, 2022 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 2,950,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 2021, compared to a pro forma gain of about 4,860,000 subscribers in 2020, and about 2,550,000 in 2019.   

These top broadband providers now account for about 108.4 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.7 million broadband subscribers, and top wireline phone companies having about 32.7 million subscribers.

Findings for the year include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 2021 were 61% of the total in 2020, and 115% of the total in 2019
  • The top cable companies had about 2.8 million net adds in 2021, 58% of the cable broadband additions in 2020, and 89% of additions in 2019
  • The top wireline phone companies added about 150,000 subscribers in 2021 – compared to a gain of about 30,000 subscribers in 2020, and a net loss of about 590,000 subscribers in 2019
    • Telcos had about about 1.8 million net adds via fiber in 2021 – compared to about 1.64 million fiber net adds in 2020
  • Among these top providers, cable companies accounted for 95% of the net broadband adds in 2021 – compared to 99% in 2020, and 123% in 2019

“Broadband additions proved to be resilient in 2021 following 2020’s pandemic-related surge in subscribers,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “The top broadband providers added significantly fewer subscribers in 2021 than in 2020, but the net adds in 2021 were higher than in each year from 2016-2019.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 2021Net Adds in 2021
Cable Companies
Comcast31,901,000 1,327,000
Charter30,089,0001,210,000
Cox*5,530,000150,000
Altice**4,386,200(3,400)
Mediacom1,463,00025,000
Cable One**1,055,00063,000
Breezeline/Atlantic Broadband**716,77818,778
WOW (WideOpenWest)511,70012,900
Total Top Cable 75,652,6782,803,278
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,504,000120,000
Verizon^7,365,000236,000
CenturyLink/Lumen4,519,000(248,000)
Frontier2,799,000(35,000)
Windstream1,164,50055,200
TDS526,00032,700
Cincinnati Bell* 440,0003,900
Consolidated384,564(16,793)
Total Top Telco32,702,064148,007
Total Top Broadband108,354,7422,951,285
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

**   Includes LRG estimate of pro forma net adds

^    Does not include 173,000 fixed wireless net adds in 2021, bringing the total to about 228,000 subscribers

Does not include T-Mobile’s 546,000 fixed wireless net adds in 2021, bringing the total to 646,000 subscribers

TDS includes about 309,000 wireline broadband subscribers, and about 217,000 cable broadband subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6% of the total are non-residential

Top cable and wireline phone companies represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

87% of U.S. Households Get an Internet Service at Home

Broadband Subscribers are Generally Satisfied with Their Service

Durham, NH – December 28, 2021 – New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 87% of U.S. households get an Internet service at home, compared to 83% in 2016 and 69% in 2006.  Broadband accounts for 98% of households with an Internet service at home, and 85% of all households get a broadband Internet service – an increase from 81% in 2016 and 42% in 2006.

Overall, 60% of broadband subscribers are very satisfied (8-10 on a 1-10 scale) with their Internet service at home, while 7% are not satisfied (1-3).  Similarly, 68% of broadband subscribers agree (8-10) that their Internet service meets the needs of their household, while 4% disagree (1-3).

These findings are based on a survey of 2,000 households from throughout the United States and are part of a new LRG study, Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2021.  This is LRG’s nineteenth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • 63% of broadband subscribers rate the speed of their Internet connection 8-10 (with 10 being excellent), while 7% rate it 1-3 (with 1 being poor)
  • 45% of broadband subscribers do not know the download speed of their service – compared to 59% in 2016
  • 69% reporting Internet speeds of 100+ Mbps are very satisfied with their service, compared to 53% with speeds <50 Mbps, and 58% that don’t know their speed
  • 60% of adults with an Internet service at home watch video online daily – compared to 50% in 2019, 41% in 2016, and 5% in 2006
  • 87% of households use at least one laptop or desktop computer – 95% of this group get an Internet service at home
  • 68% of those that do not use a laptop or desktop computer are not online at home – accounting for 67% of all that do not have an Internet service at home

“The percentage of households getting an Internet service at home, including high-speed broadband, continued to increase over the past year, and is now higher than in any previous year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Broadband subscribers generally remain satisfied with their service, with 60% reporting that they are very satisfied, compared to 57% in 2016.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on the broadband, media and entertainment industries.  LRG combines ongoing consumer research studies with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the adoption and impact of new products and services.  For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Broadband Internet in the U.S. 2021 is based on a survey of 2,000 adults age 18+ from throughout the U.S.  The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the U.S.  The survey, conducted in November-December 2021, included a sample of 820 via telephone (including landline and cell phone calls) used to track the presence of Internet services in the home, and an additional sample of 1,200 with an Internet service at home via an online sample.  The phone sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 3.4%.  The combined phone and online samples of those with an Internet service at home has a margin of error of +/- 2.3%.  The online sample solely used for some questions has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 650,000 Subscribers in 3Q 2021

Annual Net Losses Similar to Last Year

Durham, NH — November 18, 2021 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S. – representing about 93% of the market – lost about 650,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2021, compared to a pro forma net loss of about 90,000 in 3Q 2020. 

The top pay-TV providers now account for about 77 million subscribers – with the top seven cable companies having 41.9 million video subscribers, other traditional pay-TV services having over 27.5 million subscribers, and the top publicly reporting Internet-delivered (vMVPD) pay-TV services having 7.5 million subscribers.

Key findings for the quarter include:

  • Top cable providers had a net loss of about 700,000 video subscribers in 3Q 2021 – compared to a loss of about 380,000 subscribers in 3Q 2020
  • Other traditional pay-TV services had a net loss of about 635,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021 – compared to a loss of about 780,000 subscribers in 3Q 2020
  • Top publicly reporting vMVPDs added about 680,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021 – compared to a gain of about 1,070,000 subscribers in 3Q 2020

“While pay-TV net losses in the quarter increased from last year’s third quarter, annual net losses were relatively similar to a year ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “Over the past year, top pay-TV providers had a net loss of about 5,100,000 subscribers, compared to a loss of about 4,820,000 over the prior year.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at end of 3Q 2021 Net Adds in 3Q 2021
Cable Companies
Comcast18,549,000(407,000)
Charter15,891,000(121,000)
Cox*3,460,000(70,000)
Altice2,803,000(67,500)
Mediacom590,000(21,000)
Atlantic Broadband**360,000(6,000)
Cable One279,000 (8,000)
Total Top Cable41,932,000(700,500)
Other Traditional Services
DIRECTV^15,000,000(412,000)
DISH TV (DBS)8,424,000(130,000)
Verizon Fios (Telco)3,714,000(68,000)
Frontier (Telco)*400,000(23,000)
Total Top Other Traditional27,538,000(633,000)
Internet-Delivered (vMVPD)
Hulu + Live TV4,000,000300,000
Sling TV2,556,000117,000
fuboTV944,605262,884

Total Top vMVPD^^7,500,605679,884
Total Top Providers76,970,605(653,616)

Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*     LRG estimate

**   Includes recent acquisition from WOW, and LRG pro forma estimate of net adds

^    LRG estimate.  Formerly AT&T Premium TV, includes DIRECTV, U-verse, and DIRECTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV).

^^  vMVPD does not include YouTube TV or Philo, as neither regularly report results

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and changes to the list of top providers – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 630,000 Added Broadband in 3Q 2021

Broadband Additions Return to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Durham, NH — November 17, 2021 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the largest cable and wireline phone providers in the U.S. – representing about 96% of the market – acquired about 630,000 net additional broadband Internet subscribers in 3Q 2021, compared to a pro forma gain of about 1,525,000 subscribers in 3Q 2020, about 615,000 in 3Q 2019, and about 600,000 in 3Q 2018.   

These top broadband providers now account for about 107.9 million subscribers, with top cable companies having about 75.2 million broadband subscribers, and top wireline phone companies having about 32.7 million subscribers.

Findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 3Q 2021 were 41% of those in 3Q 2020
  • The top cable companies added about 590,000 subscribers in 3Q 2021 – 45% of the net additions for the top cable companies in 3Q 2020
  • The top wireline phone companies added about 40,000 total broadband subscribers in 3Q 2021 – compared to about 200,000 net adds in 3Q 2020
    • Telcos had about 475,000 net adds via fiber in 3Q 2021, and about 435,000 non-fiber net losses

Broadband additions returned to pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter of 2021,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc.  “The top broadband providers added significantly fewer subscribers than in last year’s third quarter, but had a similar number of net adds as in 3Q 2019 and 3Q 2018.”

Broadband ProvidersSubscribers at end of 3Q 2021Net Adds in 3Q 2021
Cable Companies
Comcast31,688,000 300,000
Charter29,899,000265,000
Cox*5,510,00025,000
Altice4,388,100(13,200)
Mediacom1,466,000(2,000)
Cable One1,030,00013,000
Atlantic Broadband^717,0003,000
WOW (WideOpenWest)^509,5001,600
Total Top Cable 75,207,600592,400
Wireline Phone Companies
AT&T15,510,00029,000
Verizon^^7,337,00074,000
CenturyLink/Lumen4,589,000(77,000)
Frontier2,789,000(9,000)
Windstream1,147,00015,200
TDS522,8009,200
Cincinnati Bell* 439,0001,200
Consolidated390,661(2,819)
Total Top Telco32,724,46139,781
Total Top Broadband107,932,061632,181
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

*    LRG estimate

^    Includes recent sale of properties from WOW to Atlantic Broadband and pro forma estimates

^^  Does not include 55,000 fixed wireless net adds, bringing the total to about 150,000 subscribers

TDS includes about 306,500 wireline broadband subscribers, and about 216,300 cable broadband subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households – about 6% of the total are non-residential

Top cable and wireline phone companies represent approximately 96% of all subscribers

 

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions, reporting adjustments, and the addition of new providers to the list – therefore, comparing totals in this release to prior releases will not produce accurate findings

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 700,000 Add Broadband in the Third Quarter of 2014

86.6 Million Get Broadband from Top Cable and Telephone Companies

Durham, NH — November 18, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the seventeen largest cable and telephone providers in the US — representing about 94% of the market — acquired over 700,000 net additional high-speed Internet subscribers in the third quarter of 2014. These top broadband providers now account for 86.6 million subscribers — with top cable companies having over 51.2 million broadband subscribers, and top telephone companies having nearly 35.4 million subscribers.

Other broadband findings include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 3Q 2014 amounted to 135% of those in 3Q 2013
  • The top cable companies accounted for 83% of the net broadband additions for the quarter versus the top telephone companies
  • The top cable companies added about 580,000 subscribers, representing 133% of the net additions for the top cable companies in 3Q 2013
  • The top telephone companies added about 120,000 broadband subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to a gain of about 80,000 in 3Q 2013
  • Over the past year, there were about 2,930,000 net broadband adds — compared to about 2,540,000 over the prior year, and 2,925,000 two years ago

“Despite there being 86.6 million broadband subscribers in the US via major cable and Telco providers, the industry has added subscribers at a faster pace over the past year than it did over the prior year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Over the past year, cable companies accounted for 86% of the 2.9 million net broadband adds.”

Broadband Internet Subscribers at End
of 3Q 2014
Net Adds in
3Q 2014
Cable Companies
Comcast 21,586,000 315,000
Time Warner 12,073,000 108,000
Charter 4,956,000 106,000
Cablevision 2,756,000 (23,000)
Suddenlink 1,135,500 32,200
Mediacom 997,000 10,000
WOW (WideOpenWest)* 729,700
Cable ONE 486,142 3,417
Other Major Private Cable Companies** 6,505,000 30,000
Total Top Cable 51,224,342 581,617
Telephone Companies
AT&T 16,486,000 38,000
Verizon 9,146,000 69,000
CenturyLink 6,063,000 8,000
Frontier^ 1,922,000 21,500
Windstream 1,142,000 (11,800)
FairPoint 329,494 (3,927)
Cincinnati Bell 270,500 200
Total Top Telephone Companies 35,358,994 120,973
Total Broadband 85,583,336 702,590
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Includes a small system sale, the Company did not report net adds on a pro forma basis

** Includes LRG estimates for Cox, and Bright House Networks

^ LRG estimate, does not include wireless subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not represent solely residential households

Totals reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top cable and telephone companies represent approximately 94% of all subscribers

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 150,000 Subscribers in 3Q 2014

Top Pay-TV Providers Down About 100,000 Subscribers Over the Past Year

Durham, NH — November 14, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the thirteen largest pay-TV providers in the US — representing about 95% of the market — lost about 150,000 net video subscribers in 3Q 2014, compared to a loss of about 25,000 video subscribers in 3Q 2013, and more net losses than in any previous third quarter.

The top pay-TV providers account for 95.3 million subscribers — with the top nine cable companies having nearly 49.5 million video subscribers, satellite TV companies having over 34.2 million subscribers, and the top telephone companies having about 11.6 million subscribers.

Other key findings for the quarter include:

  • The top nine cable companies lost about 440,000 video subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to a loss of about 600,000 subscribers in 3Q 2013
    • Time Warner Cable lost 182,000 subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to a loss of 304,000 in 3Q 2013
  • Satellite TV providers lost 40,000 subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to a gain of 174,000 in 3Q 2013
    • DirecTV lost 28,000 subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to a gain of 139,000 subscribers in 3Q 2013
  • The top telephone providers added 330,000 video subscribers in 3Q 2014 — compared to 400,000 net additions in 3Q 2013
  • Over the past year, major pay-TV providers lost about 105,000 subscribers — compared to a loss of about 45,000 over the prior year

“The pay-TV industry is characterized by seasonality. While the first and second quarters of 2014 showed slight industrywide improvements over 2013, the third quarter was down from a year ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “If recent history is an indicator, the pay-TV industry will follow the fourth quarter trend, and close 2014 with a modest subscriber gain in the quarter.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at
End of 3Q 2014
Net Adds in
3Q 2014
Cable Companies
Comcast 22,376,000 (81,000)
Time Warner 11,030,000 (182,000)
Charter 4,296,000 (24,000)
Cablevision 2,715,000 (56,000)
Suddenlink 1,171,000 2,200
Mediacom 900,000 (19,000)
Cable ONE 476,233 (14,076)
Other Major Private Cable Companies* 6,505,000 (65,000)
Total Top Cable 49,469,233 (438,876)
Satellite TV Companies (DBS)
DirecTV 20,203,000 (28,000)
DISH 14,041,000 (12,000)
Total DBS 34,244,000 (40,000)
Telephone Companies
AT&T U-verse 6,067,000 216,000
Verizon FiOS 5,533,000 114,000
Total Top Phone 11,600,000 330,000
Total Top Pay-TV Providers 95,313,233 (148,876)
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 95% of all subscribers

Top cable companies do not include overbuilder WOW with 653,800 subscribers

Note that LRG consumer research finds that about 1% of households subscribe to both cable and DBS

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Nearly 80% of U.S. Households Get Broadband at Home

More Time is Being Spent Online at Home Than in Previous Years

Durham, NH — October 24, 2014 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 79% of US households get a broadband Internet service at home, an increase from 20% in 2004. Broadband now accounts for 95% of all households with Internet service at home — an increase from 94% last year, 89% in 2009, and 33% in 2004.

The mean reported time spent online at home per day is 2.8 hours among all individuals online at home — up from 2.2 hours per day in 2009. Among those online, ages 18-34 spend, on average, 3.3 hours per day online at home, compared to 2.8 hours per day among those ages 35-54, and 2.1 hours per day among ages 55 and above. For the first time ever in this study, the 18-34 age group overall reports spending more time per day online at home than time spent watching TV.

These findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,261 households from throughout the United States, and are part of a new LRG study, Broadband Internet Access & Services in the Home 2014. This is LRG’s twelfth annual study of this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • 84% of households get an Internet service at home — similar to recent years
  • 63% of adults access the Internet on a smartphone — up from 44% in 2012
  • 59% get Internet service at home and on a smartphone — up from 42% in 2012
  • 24% of all not online at home access the Internet on a smartphone — compared to 19% last year, and 12% in 2012
  • 2% of households paid to subscribe to Internet service at home in the past year, do not currently subscribe, and do not plan to subscribe again in the next six months
  • 41% of households with annual incomes <$30,000 do not use a laptop or desktop computer at home — compared to 9% with incomes >$30,000
  • 2% of all households have an iPad or tablet, but do not use a desktop or laptop computer

“The percentage of US households with a computer, and the percentage of households that get an online service at home, has leveled off over the past few years, while broadband continues to grow at a modest pace,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Along with more people accessing a broadband Internet service at home than ever before, more time is also being spent online at home.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys, with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Broadband Internet Access & Services in the Home 2014 is based on a telephone survey of 1,261 adults age 18+ (including 190 cell phone calls) from throughout the continental US that was conducted in September 2014. The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the US. The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

More Than Five of Every Six TV Households Subscribe to a Pay-TV Service

Pay-TV Subscribers Outpaced by Rental Housing Growth

Durham, NH — September 2, 2014 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that about 84% of households nationwide subscribe to some form of pay-TV service. While the reported number of pay-TV subscribers has been fairly flat over the past four years, occupied housing in the US has grown. Consequently, penetration of pay-TV among residential households has waned from its peak in 2010 following the digital transition.

Among TV households that do not currently subscribe to a pay-TV service, 6% plan to subscribe to a pay-TV service in the next six months — including 20% of those who subscribed in the past year, 2% who subscribed over one year ago, and 4% who never subscribed. Overall, 35% of non-subscribers never subscribed to a pay-TV service.

These findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,260 households from throughout the United States, and are part of a new LRG study, Cable, DBS & Telcos: Competing for Customers 2014. This is LRG’s twelfth annual study of this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • Nationwide, 22% of TV households with annual incomes <$50,000 are non-subscribers, compared to 13% with incomes >$50,000
  • Mean reported monthly spending on pay-TV service is $89.78 — an increase of 36% since 2009
  • 12% of cable TV subscribers, 12% of telco TV subscribers, and 11% of satellite TV subscribers are likely to switch from their current provider in the next six months
  • 11% of non-subscribers cite the Internet or Netflix as the main reason for not currently subscribing to a pay-TV service — compared to 3% in 2009
  • 22% of those who moved in the past year do not currently subscribe to a pay-TV service — a higher level than in previous years

“The number of pay-TV subscribers in the US remains about as high as it has ever been, but penetration of pay-TV services in consumers’ homes has declined over the past few years, as subscriber growth has leveled-off, while occupied housing in the US has increased,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Housing growth has been exclusively among renters, who tend to be more challenging for the pay-TV industry than home owners because of their comparatively lower income, younger age, and greater likelihood to move.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines ongoing consumer surveys, with industry tracking and analysis, to provide companies with a richer understanding of current market conditions, and the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Cable, DBS & Telcos: Competing for Customers 2014 is based on a telephone survey of 1,260 adults age 18+ from throughout the continental US that was conducted in June-July 2014. The random sample of respondents (including 190 cell phone calls) was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the US. The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

About 385,000 Add Broadband in the Second Quarter of 2014

Cable Broadband Subscribers Surpass Cable TV Subscribers

Durham, NH — August 15, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the seventeen largest cable and telephone providers in the US — representing about 93% of the market — acquired nearly 385,000 net additional high-speed Internet subscribers in the second quarter of 2014. These top broadband providers now account for over 85.9 million subscribers — with top cable companies having nearly 50.7 million broadband subscribers, and top telephone companies having over 35.2 million subscribers.

Other broadband findings include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 2Q 2014 amounted to 130% of those in 2Q 2013
  • The top cable companies accounted for 99% of the net broadband additions for the quarter versus the top telephone companies
  • The top cable companies added about 380,000 subscribers, representing 128% of the net additions for the top cable companies in 2Q 2013
  • For the top cable providers (not including overbuilder WOW), the number of broadband subscribers exceeded the number of cable TV subscribers for the first time ever — with about 49,915,000 broadband subscribers at the end of 2Q 2014, compared to about 49,910,000 cable TV subscribers
  • The top telephone companies added about 2,000 broadband subscribers in 2Q 2014 — compared to a loss of about 2,000 in 2Q 2013
  • AT&T and Verizon added 627,000 subscribers via U-verse and FiOS in 2Q 2014, while having a net loss of 636,000 DSL subscribers
  • The top cable broadband providers have a 59% share of the market versus the top Telcos

“With the addition of more than 30 million broadband subscribers over the past decade, cable providers have clearly expanded well beyond their roots in cable TV service,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “As of the end of 2Q 2014, the top cable providers now have more broadband subscribers than cable TV subscribers.”

Broadband Internet Subscribers at End
of 2Q 2014
Net Adds in
2Q 2014
Cable Companies
Comcast 21,271,000 203,000
Time Warner* 11,965,000 86,000
Charter 4,850,000 62,000
Cablevision 2,779,000 (9,000)
Suddenlink 1,103,300 200
Mediacom 987,000 3,000
WOW (WideOpenWest)** 769,600 12,900
Cable ONE 482,725 (1,443)
Other Major Private Cable Companies*** 6,475,000 25,000
Total Top Cable 50,682,625 381,657
Telephone Companies
AT&T 16,448,000 (55,000)
Verizon 9,077,000 46,000
CenturyLink 6,055,000 (2,000)
Frontier^ 1,900,500 27,500
Windstream 1,153,800 (16,600)
FairPoint 333,421 1,883
Cincinnati Bell 270,300 300
Total Top Telephone Companies 35,238,021 2,083
Total Broadband 85,920,646 383,740
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Subscriber totals slightly adjusted from prior quarters

** Includes a minor system acquisition, net adds are not reported on a pro forma basis

*** Includes LRG estimates for Cox, and Bright House Networks

^ LRG estimate, does not include wireless subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not represent solely residential households

Totals reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top cable and telephone companies represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Pay-TV Providers Lost About 300,000 Subscribers in 2Q 2014

Top Pay-TV Providers Had a Small Gain in Subscribers over the Past Year

Durham, NH — August 14, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the thirteen largest pay-TV providers in the US — representing about 95% of the market — lost about 300,000 net video subscribers in 2Q 2014, compared to a loss of about 350,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2013.

The top pay-TV providers account for nearly 95.5 million subscribers — with the top nine cable companies having 49.9 million video subscribers, satellite TV companies having 34.3 million subscribers, and the top telephone companies having about 11.3 million subscribers.

Other key findings for the quarter include:

  • The top nine cable companies lost about 510,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2014 — the fewest losses in any second quarter since 2Q 2009
    • Cable ONE lost 6.5% of all cable subscribers in 2Q 2014 — the highest percentage of losses in one quarter by any top provider in the past decade
  • Satellite TV providers lost 78,000 subscribers in 2Q 2014 — compared to a loss of 162,000 in 2Q 2013
  • The top telephone providers added 290,000 video subscribers in 2Q 2014 — compared to 373,000 net additions in 2Q 2013

“The top pay-TV providers lost about 300,000 subscribers in the traditionally weak second quarter, but cumulative net losses in 2Q 2014 were slightly fewer than in any second quarter since 2Q 2010,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Over the past year, the top pay-TV providers actually had a small net gain of about 20,000 subscribers, compared to a cumulative net loss of about 70,000 subscribers over the prior year.”

Pay-TV Providers Subscribers at
End of 2Q 2014
Net Adds in
2Q 2014
Cable Companies
Comcast 22,457,000 (144,000)
Time Warner 11,212,000 (147,000)
Charter 4,320,000 (35,000)
Cablevision 2,771,000 (28,000)
Suddenlink 1,168,800 (18,700)
Mediacom 919,000 (18,000)
Cable ONE 490,309 (34,254)
Other Major Private Cable Companies* 6,570,000 (85,000)
Total Top Cable 49,908,109 (509,954)
Satellite TV Companies (DBS)
DirecTV 20,231,000 (34,000)
DISH 14,053,000 (44,000)
Total DBS 34,284,000 (78,000)
Telephone Companies
AT&T U-verse 5,851,000 190,000
Verizon FiOS 5,419,000 100,000
Total Top Phone 11,270,000 290,000
Total Top Pay-TV Providers 95,462,109 (297,954)
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Top pay-TV providers represent approximately 95% of all subscribers

Top cable companies do not include overbuilder WOW with 699,000 subscribers

Note that LRG consumer research finds that about 1% of households subscribe to both cable and DBS

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

49% of U.S. Households Have a TV Connected to the Internet

Nearly 80% of Netflix Streaming Users Watch Netflix on a TV Set

Durham, NH — June 6, 2014 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) finds that 49% of all US households have at least one television set connected to the Internet via a video game system, Blu-ray player, smart TV set, and/or stand-alone device (like Roku, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast) — up from 38% in 2012, and 24% in 2010. Overall, 24% of adults watch video from the Internet via a connected TV at least weekly, compared to 13% two years ago, and 5% four years ago.

Connected television use is heavily skewed towards Netflix subscribers, with 49% of Netflix subscribers watching video from the Internet via a connected device weekly, compared to 8% weekly use among all non-Netflix subscribers. Among Netflix streaming video users, 78% say that they watch Netflix on a TV set — a similar level to the previous three years.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,211 households nationwide, and are part of a new LRG study, Emerging Video Services VIII. This is LRG’s eighth annual study on this topic.

Other related findings include:

  • 80% of all Netflix subscribers also subscribe to a pay-TV service — compared to 85% in 2012, and 88% in 2010
  • 48% of all non-subscribers to a pay-TV service get Netflix — compared to 29% in 2012, and 16% in 2010
  • 15% of Netflix subscribers agree that their Netflix subscription is shared with others outside their household
  • 47% of households get Netflix, Amazon Prime, and/or Hulu Plus
  • On a daily basis, 31% of adults watch video on non-TV devices (including home computers, mobile phones, iPads, tablets, and eReaders), and 58% weekly — up from 18% daily, and 46% weekly two years ago
  • Including connected TV sets, 34% watch any over-the-top video daily, and 61% weekly

“While this study is LRG’s eighth annual report on this topic, Emerging Video Services have truly emerged over the past two to three years,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “This recent growth was spurred by Netflix’s decision in the third quarter of 2011 to focus on streaming video, coupled with the proliferation of connected TV devices, smartphones, and iPads and tablets.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Emerging Video Services VIII is based on a telephone survey of 1,211 adults age 18+ (including 150 cell phone calls) from throughout the continental US. The survey was conducted in April 2014. The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the US. The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Nearly 1.2 Million Add Broadband in the First Quarter of 2014

85.5 Million Get Broadband from Top Cable and Telephone Companies

Durham, NH — May 20, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the seventeen largest cable and telephone providers in the US — representing about 93% of the market — acquired nearly 1.2 million net additional high-speed Internet subscribers in the first quarter of 2014. These top broadband providers now account for over 85.5 million subscribers — with top cable companies having 50.3 million broadband subscribers, and top telephone companies having over 35.2 million subscribers.

Other broadband findings for the quarter include:

  • Overall, broadband additions in 1Q 2014 amounted to 105% of those in 1Q 2013
  • The top cable companies accounted for 83% of the net broadband additions for the quarter versus the top telephone companies
  • The top cable companies added about 970,000 subscribers, representing 121% of the net additions for the top cable companies in 1Q 2013
  • The top telephone companies added about 200,000 subscribers, 64% of the total net additions for the top telephone companies in 1Q 2013
  • AT&T and Verizon added 732,000 subscribers via U-verse and FiOS in 1Q 2014, while having a net loss of 638,000 DSL subscribers. U-verse and FiOS broadband subscribers now account for 49% of Telco broadband subscribers — compared to 40% a year ago
  • The top cable broadband providers have a 59% share of the market versus Telcos, with about 15.1 million more subscribers than the top telephone companies — compared to 13.1 million more a year ago

“With nearly 1.2 million net additions in the first quarter of 2014, broadband providers had their best quarter in two years,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “If recent history is an indicator, however, gains will be slower over the next couple of quarters. In each of the past four years, net adds in the first quarter were greater than in the second and third quarters combined.”

Broadband Internet Subscribers at End
of 1Q 2014
Net Adds in
1Q 2014
Cable Companies
Comcast* 21,068,000 383,000
Time Warner 11,889,000 283,000
Charter 4,788,000 148,000
Cablevision 2,788,000 8,000
Suddenlink* 1,103,100 35,100
Mediacom 984,000 19,000
WOW (WideOpenWest) 756,700 16,700
Cable ONE 484,168 11,537
Other Major Private Cable Companies** 6,450,000 65,000
Total Top Cable 50,310,968 969,337
Telephone Companies
AT&T 16,503,000 78,000
Verizon 9,031,000 16,000
CenturyLink 6,057,000 66,000
Frontier^ 1,873,000 37,000
Windstream 1,170,400 (500)
FairPoint 331,538 1,772
Cincinnati Bell 270,000 1,600
Total Top Telephone Companies 35,235,938 199,872
Total Broadband 85,546,906 1,169,209
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Subscriber totals slightly adjusted from prior quarters

** Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

^ LRG estimate, does not include wireless subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not represent solely residential households

Totals reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top cable and telephone companies represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Multi-Channel Video Providers Added About 260,000 Subscribers in 1Q 2014

Top Cable Providers Had Fewest Quarterly Losses in Five Years

Durham, NH — May 19, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the thirteen largest multi-channel video providers in the US — representing about 94% of the market — added about 260,000 net video subscribers in 1Q 2014, compared to a gain of about 230,000 video subscribers in 1Q 2013.

The top multi-channel video providers account for nearly 95.8 million subscribers — with the top nine cable companies having 50.4 million video subscribers, satellite TV companies having 34.4 million subscribers, and top telephone companies having about 11 million subscribers.

Other key findings include:

  • The top nine cable companies lost about 50,000 video subscribers in 1Q 2014 — the fewest quarterly losses since 1Q 2009
  • Satellite TV providers added 52,000 subscribers in 1Q 2014 — compared to a gain of 57,000 in 1Q 2013
  • The top telephone providers added 258,000 video subscribers in 1Q 2014 — compared to 401,000 net additions in 1Q 2013
    • Verizon FiOS’s net adds in 1Q 2014 were the fewest in any quarter since 2Q 2006
  • Cumulative net additions for the top multi-channel video providers in 1Q 2014 were the most in any quarter since 1Q 2012
  • Over the past year, multi-channel video providers lost about 37,000 subscribers, similar to a loss of about 43,000 over the prior year

“In the first quarter of 2014, the multi-channel video industry had its best quarter in two years, and cable providers had the fewest video losses in any quarter in the past five years,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Industrywide net losses of about 40,000 subscribers over the past year were nearly identical to losses over the prior year.”

Multi-Channel Video Provider Subscribers at
End of 1Q 2014
Net Adds in
1Q 2014
Net Adds in
1Q 2013
Cable Companies
Comcast^ 22,601,000 24,000 (25,000)
Time Warner 11,359,000 (34,000) (118,000)
Charter 4,355,000 13,000 (35,000)
Cablevision 2,799,000 (14,000) (5,000)
Suddenlink 1,187,500 2,400 800
Mediacom 937,000 (8,000) (1,000)
Cable ONE 524,563 (14,331) (5,435)
Other Major Private Cable Companies* 6,655,000 (20,000) (40,000)
Total Top Cable 50,418,063 (50,931) (228,635)
Satellite TV Companies (DBS)
DirecTV 20,265,000 12,000 21,000
DISH 14,097,000 40,000 36,000
Total Top DBS 34,362,000 52,000 57,000
Telephone Companies
AT&T U-verse 5,661,000 201,000 232,000
Verizon FiOS 5,319,000 57,000 169,000
Total Top Phone 10,980,000 258,000 401,000
Total Multi-Channel Video 95,760,063 259,069 229,365
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

^ Comcast revised its methodology for counting subscribers to a Billable Customer method in 1Q 2014

Top cable companies do not include overbuilder WOW with 694,300 subscribers

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top multi-channel video providers represent approximately 94% of all subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Note that LRG consumer research finds that about 1% of households subscribe to both cable and DBS

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

2.6 Million Added Broadband from Top Cable and Telephone Companies in 2013

84.3 Million Get Broadband from Top Cable and Telephone Companies

Durham, NH — March 17, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the seventeen largest cable and telephone providers in the US — representing about 93% of the market — acquired over 2.6 million net additional high-speed Internet subscribers in 2013. Annual net broadband additions in 2013 were 95% of the total in 2012.

These top broadband providers now account for 84.3 million subscribers — with cable companies having 49.3 million broadband subscribers, and telephone companies having 35.0 million subscribers.

Other key findings include:

  • The top cable companies netted 82% of the broadband additions in 2013 — compared to 88% of the broadband additions in 2012
  • The top cable companies added nearly 2.2 million broadband subscribers in 2013 — 89% of the total net additions for the top cable companies in 2012
  • Comcast added about 1.3 million broadband subscribers in 2013 — accounting for 49% of the total net additions for the top providers in the year
  • The top telephone providers added 480,000 broadband subscribers in 2013 — 146% of the total net additions for the top telephone companies in 2012
  • AT&T and Verizon added 3.3 million fiber subscribers (via U-verse and FiOS) in 2013, while having a net loss of 3.05 million DSL subscribers. U-verse and FiOS broadband subscribers now account for 47% of Telco broadband subscribers — up from 29% at the end of 2011

“At the end of 2013, the top broadband providers in the US cumulatively had over 84.3 million subscribers, adding 2.6 million subscribers in the past year,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “With top Telco providers focused on upgrading customers from DSL to fiber broadband services, cable providers accounted for over 80% of the net broadband adds in 2013.”

Broadband Internet Subscribers at End
of 2013
Net Adds in
2013
Cable Companies
Comcast 20,662,000 1,296,000
Time Warner 11,606,000 211,000
Charter 4,640,000 371,000
Cablevision 2,780,000 17,000
Suddenlink 1,059,500 57,400
Mediacom 965,000 50,000
WOW (WideOpenWest)* 740,000 31,000
Cable ONE 472,631 13,396
Other Major Private Cable Companies** 6,385,000 115,000
Total Top Cable 49,310,131 2,161,796
Telephone Companies
AT&T 16,425,000 35,000
Verizon 9,015,000 220,000
CenturyLink 5,991,000 140,000
Frontier^ 1,836,000 112,000
Windstream 1,170,900 (43,600)
FairPoint 329,766 4,789
Cincinnati Bell 268,400 9,000
Total Top Telephone Companies 35,036,066 477,189
Total Broadband 84,346,197 2,638,985
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* WOW was added as one of the top cable broadband providers this year, replacing RCN

** Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

^ LRG estimate, does not include wireless subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not represent solely residential households

Totals reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top cable and telephone companies represent approximately 93% of all subscribers

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

Major Multi-Channel Video Providers Lost About 105,000 Subscribers in 2013

Annual Losses Amount to 0.1% of Subscribers

Durham, NH — March 14, 2014 — Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that the thirteen largest multi-channel video providers in the US — representing about 94% of the market — lost about 105,000 net video subscribers in 2013. Annual net multi-channel video additions in 2013 were about 280,000 fewer than in 2012, when the industry added about 175,000 subscribers.

The top multi-channel video providers account for over 94.6 million subscribers — with the top nine cable companies having 49.6 million video subscribers, satellite TV companies having 34.3 million subscribers, and top telephone companies having 10.7 million subscribers.

Other key findings include:

  • The top nine cable companies lost about 1,735,000 video subscribers in 2013 — compared to a loss of about 1,410,000 subscribers in 2012
  • The top telephone providers added 1,460,000 video subscribers in 2013 — compared to 1,298,000 net additions in 2012
  • Satellite TV providers added 170,000 video subscribers in 2013 — compared to 288,000 net additions in 2012

“2013 was the first year for multi-channel video industry losses, but the modest losses represent only about 0.1% of all subscribers,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “While the overall market remains fairly flat, further share-shifting has taken place. Cable providers now have a 52% share of the top multi-channel video subscribers in the US, compared to a 58% share three years ago.”

Multi-Channel Video Provider Subscribers at End of 2013 Net Adds in 2013
Cable Companies
Comcast 21,690,000 (305,000)
Time Warner 11,393,000 (825,000)
Charter 4,342,000 (121,000)
Cablevision 2,813,000 (80,000)
Suddenlink 1,177,400 (33,800)
Mediacom 945,000 (55,000)
Cable ONE 538,894 (54,721)
Other Major Private Cable Companies* 6,675,000 (260,000)
Total Top Cable 49,574,294 (1,734,521)
Satellite TV Companies (DBS)
DirecTV 20,253,000 169,000
DISH 14,057,000 1,000
Total Top DBS 34,310,000 170,000
Telephone Companies
AT&T U-verse 5,460,000 924,000
Verizon FiOS 5,262,000 536,000
Total Top Telephone Companies 10,722,000 1,460,000
Total Multi-Channel Video 94,606,294 (104,521)
Sources: The Companies and Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

* Includes LRG estimates for Cox and Bright House Networks

Top cable companies do not include WOW

Net additions reflect pro forma results from system sales and acquisitions

Top multi-channel video providers represent approximately 94% of all subscribers

Company subscriber counts may not solely represent residential households

Note that LRG consumer research finds that about 1% of households subscribe to both cable and DBS

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)

The Majority of TV Sets Used in U.S. Households Are Now HDTVs

4K Ultra HDTV in Early Stages of Development

Durham, NH — March 7, 2014 — New consumer research from Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) found that 77% of households in the United States have at least one high definition television (HDTV) set, and about 46% of all households have multiple HDTVs. Five years ago, 34% of US households had at least one HDTV, and 11% of households had more than one HDTV.

About 72% of TV sets used in HD households are HDTVs. Including non-HDTV households, 59% of all television sets used in US households are HDTVs — up from 34% in 2010, 18% in 2008, and 3% in 2004.

These findings are based on a survey of 1,231 households throughout the United States, and are part of a new LRG study, HDTV XI. This is LRG’s eleventh annual study related to HDTV.
Other findings include:

Other related findings include:

  • 88% with annual household incomes over $50,000 have an HDTV — compared to 68% with household incomes under $50,000
  • Among those getting HD programming from a cable, satellite, or Telco provider, the perceived mean number of channels of HD programming is 82 — up from 42 five years ago
  • 30% of adults have heard of 4K Ultra HDTV, and about one-third of this group has seen a 4K Ultra HDTV
  • 28% of those who have seen a 4K Ultra HDTV are very interested in getting it, while 15% of all who have heard of 4K HDTV are very interested in getting it
  • 14% of households have a Smart TV set that is connected to the Internet, including 3% of households that have more than one connected Smart TV set — connected Smart TVs account for about 7% of all television sets used in US households
  • 22% of all households purchased a TV set in the past 12 months — an annual level that has been fairly consistent for the past decade

“At the same time that consumers are acquiring an increasing number of devices that allow them to watch video anywhere and anytime, television sets in the home are getting bigger and better,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group, Inc. “Nearly 60% of TV sets used in US households are now HD sets, up from less than 20% just five years ago.”

About Leichtman Research Group, Inc.

Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) specializes in research and analysis on broadband, media and entertainment industries. LRG combines on-going surveys and analysis with years of hands-on industry experience to provide companies with a richer understanding of the potential impact and adoption of new products and services. For more information about LRG, please call (603) 397-5400 or visit www.LeichtmanResearch.com.

HDTV XI is based on a telephone survey of 1,231 adults age 18+ (including 150 cell phone calls) from throughout the continental US that was conducted in January, 2014. The random sample of respondents was distributed and weighted to best reflect the demographic and geographic make-up of the US. The overall sample has a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.8%.

Click here to download a printable version (in PDF format)