The worldwide IPTV subscriber base was estimated to break the 20 million mark by year-end 2008, and forecasted to reach over 90 million by year-end 2012. With an IPTV household penetration of 50%, the outlook for IPTV services in Hong Kong is expected to stay stable in 2009; in France, telecom operators have been seeking business opportunities before the digital switchover. The worldwide IPTV subscriber base is expected to grow on a steady pace until 2012.