Broadband-Only Homes are Growing and Important, But Actual Numbers are Elusive

Broadband-only homes, defined as homes without a traditional subscription pay-TV service in this context, are a major focus these days. But exactly how many of them exist?

HBO CEO Richard Plepler cited 10 million broadband-only homes as the initial target, while Nielsen data showed only 2.7 percent of US households are broadband-only, equating to roughly 3 million homes. When research firm MoffettNathanson first started tracking these Nielsen numbers back in 2013, it cited 0.5 percent. Even though actual numbers are elusive, these homes are still important because they represent a growing niche market.