India is set to become the largest DTH market in terms of subscribers by 2012, overtaking the US, according to a study by research firm Media Partners Asia (MPA).

By 2012, India will have some 36 million DTH subscribers as against 17 million at the end of 2009, according to MPA's study on Asia Pacific Pay TV and Broadband Markets 2010. The US, currently the largest market with 32 million subscribers at the end of 2009, will have some 35 million DTH consumers by 2012, it said.

Subscribers

Further, MPA estimates that the Indian DTH subscriber base will touch 45 million by 2014 and 58 million by 2020.

"We are more positive on India's DTH opportunity than previously, especially when anchored to consolidation and improved pricing power with continued growth," said Mr Vivek Couto, executive director, MPA.

MPA expects consolidation in the Indian DTH sector.