45 per cent of Europeans use IPTV

Nearly 50 per cent of Europeans now watch television via the internet, claims a new study from Motorola.

The research concluded that 45 per cent of those living in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain opt to use IPTV rather than standard television as a way of watching their favourite shows. Online TV was most popular in France with 59 per cent using the internet, compared to just 33 per cent in Germany.

In particular, consumers welcome the flexibility that is offered by on demand services which enables them to watch want they want when they want.

Motorola’s Karl Elliot, speaking to BBC News, explained: "Viewers across Europe are no longer satisfied with fitting into schedules dictated by broadcasters and are turning to the choice and flexibility offered by TV over the internet."

He added: "We are witnessing a nation of citizen schedulers who are in control of their entertainment, allowing them to watch what they want, how and when they want it."

The BBC recently confirmed that it is to launch a new iPlayer service that will allow viewers to watch popular programmes such as Doctor Who and Eastenders via the web.