Taiwan’s cable subs fell to a record low of 4.55 million in the third quarter of this year, according to the country’s regulatory body, the National Communications Commission (NCC).

Household penetration dipped to just under 49.5%. 

The NCC attributed the 2.42% year-on-year drop in overall cable subscriptions to alternative entertainment sources, and pointed out the steady decline over 24 consecutive quarters.

At its peak in 2017, Taiwan registered 5.26 million subs.

Six operators control about 80% of Taiwan’s cable market, or approx 3.75 million cable subscribers.  

The six are Kbro Co, Homeplus Digital Co, Taiwan Broadband Communications, TFN Media, Taiwan Optical Platform and Dafeng TV. 

The only platform that registered an increase was Taiwan Optical Platform (Top), which reported an increase of 0.13% for the third quarter compared to the second quarter.