GSMA Intelligence’s latest report highlights key trends for fixed and pay-TV markets in 2025. Fixed network transformation is advancing with copper network switch-offs accelerating in Europe and North America, leading to reduced maintenance costs, future-proofing, and higher ARPU.
BT Group CEO Allison Kirkby said recently: “Our fibre rollout has set records, now reaching more than 16 million premises, and we have further extended our industry-leading take-up rate to 35 percent. Our cost to build continues to reduce, enabling us to increase build target to 4.2 million with no additional Capex spend.”
Altice USA CEO Dennis Mathew said recently: “Our focus remains on transforming our business for future growth with significant revenue opportunities, including increasing penetration of our fiber network, and driving operational efficiencies with a sustainable capital structure.”
Cable operators are increasingly adopting fibre, with plans to replace DOCSIS. Fibre-to-the-room (FTTR) momentum is growing, particularly in MENA and Asia Pacific. FTTP/B’s share of fixed broadband is forecasted to reach 76 percent across 36 major markets by the end of 2025, making it the leading access technology in 24 of these markets.
5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is gaining traction, with 161 operators across 76 countries expected to offer services by 2025. Connections will rise to 14.7 million, with the US, India, and Austria leading penetration. Enhanced 5G network performance, cost-effective equipment, and continued demand in underserved areas will drive growth, Cesar Bachelet, Lead Analyst, Fixed, TV and Convergence at GSMA Intelligence, said.
Traditional pay TV will face significant challenges, with record cord-cutting and a projected net loss of 16.5 million connections across 36 markets. Losses will slow in the US due to churn mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, the OTT video sector will encounter increased competition, price pressures, and the rise of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services.
Operators’ dominance in OTT service bundling is under threat as retailers and utilities leverage OTT offerings to boost loyalty schemes and customer appeal. Partnerships between OTT providers and other industries, including retail and utilities, are expected to grow in 2025.
The key trends in fixed and pay-TV markets present significant implications for operators and vendors in 2025.
For fixed broadband providers, the transition to fibre offers an opportunity to increase ARPU by encouraging subscribers to upgrade to higher speed tiers. Operators can also leverage fibre-to-the-room (FTTR) deployments, especially in regions like MENA and Asia Pacific, as a way to differentiate and generate additional revenue.
However, operators must address the needs of legacy PSTN users to ensure a smooth transition from copper networks. Additionally, evolving bundling strategies will be critical, with operators needing to add more value beyond basic offerings, such as integrating third-party subscriptions through direct carrier billing and dedicated portals.
For pay-TV providers, the rise of cord-cutting and competition from OTT services presents challenges. To remain competitive, operators must reinforce the perception of value for money by offering more affordable options, such as ad-supported tiers or including OTT services like Paramount+ within their pay-TV packages.
As content fragmentation increases with the growth of FAST services, pay-TV providers can create integrated experiences by offering unified user interfaces that simplify content discovery through features like search capabilities, recommendations, and voice control. Furthermore, revisiting OTT video business models will be essential as operators adapt to price pressures and explore discounted bundles with OTT players.
Mobile operators also stand to benefit from the expansion of 5G FWA. This technology enables mobile-only operators to tap into the fixed broadband market, providing an additional revenue stream. Companies like T-Mobile US have already seen success in gaining fixed broadband subscribers with 5G FWA, and in 2025, operators can further capitalize on the cost-effectiveness of 5G RedCap technology.
For example, Dito in the Philippines aims to capture market share by offering affordable FWA propositions based on 5G and RedCap. This shift will allow mobile operators to diversify their revenue streams and expand their presence in the broadband sector.
Baburajan Kizhakedath