The rise of cord-cutting: why consumers are cancelling subscriptions to traditional pay-TV services
This report is available to those subscribed to the Fixed, TV and Convergence module.
Pay-TV data from GSMA Intelligence shows that half the 36 major countries it tracks worldwide saw a fall in the number of traditional pay-TV connections between 2020 and 2022, with the US leading. In most of the 18 countries that saw a decline, cord-cutting (consumers cancelling their subscription to traditional pay-TV services) is on the rise, reflected in a higher volume of cancellations in 2022 than in 2021.
GSMA Intelligence leveraged its global consumer survey across eight major countries – China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the UK and US – to examine the factors driving this cord-cutting trend. The results shine light on the implications for providers of traditional pay-TV services.
Related research
Pay TV: uncovering the shifts in consumer behaviour affecting adoption and commercial strategies
Leveraging data from our consumer survey, this report provides insights into the evolution of consumer behaviour across traditional pay TV, OTT video services and mobile video usage. It highlights key trends and their implications, as well as actionable recommendations for key players in the video ecosystem.
Pay-TV Markets, Q1 2025: developments and outlook
Pay-TV markets are seeing an unprecedented evolution, driven by technology investments, shifting consumer behaviour and competition (including from OTT players). This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most or how OTT competition will impact the adoption of traditional pay TV.
Pay-TV Markets, Q4 2024: developments and outlook
Pay-TV markets are seeing an unprecedented evolution, driven by technology investments, shifting consumer behaviour and competition (including from OTT players). This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most or how OTT competition will impact the adoption of traditional pay TV.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Pay TV: uncovering the shifts in consumer behaviour affecting adoption and commercial strategies
Leveraging data from our consumer survey, this report provides insights into the evolution of consumer behaviour across traditional pay TV, OTT video services and mobile video usage. It highlights key trends and their implications, as well as actionable recommendations for key players in the video ecosystem.
Pay-TV Markets, Q1 2025: developments and outlook
Pay-TV markets are seeing an unprecedented evolution, driven by technology investments, shifting consumer behaviour and competition (including from OTT players). This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most or how OTT competition will impact the adoption of traditional pay TV.
Pay-TV Markets, Q4 2024: developments and outlook
Pay-TV markets are seeing an unprecedented evolution, driven by technology investments, shifting consumer behaviour and competition (including from OTT players). This quarterly series outlines the latest market developments and the key trends to watch, charting the period to 2030. The report also provides comprehensive cross-country comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to identify which markets or technologies will grow the most or how OTT competition will impact the adoption of traditional pay TV.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics