The Asian satellite landscape is a melting pot of opportunity and frustration. The opportunities are many, as the potential for satellite TV and communication services in markets such as India, China, Indonesia are huge. For example, in India, DTH platforms such as Tata Sky, DishTV, and Big TV have been adding huge numbers of subscribers very quickly this year. However, with the opportunities comes many risks. Regulations in these markets is varied, and particularly for international players, markets such as China can be difficult to penetrate.
In this Focus on Asia supplement, we look at some very specific market issues relating to the satellite market.
Piracy remains a major concern in the region. The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) estimated that in 2008, piracy cost pay-TV operators nearly $2 billion in revenues and more than 34 million subscribers, and it will take the combined efforts of the satellite sector and governments in the Asia-Pacific region to stem the tide.
The demand to be connected and have access to content also is as prevalent in Asia. A lot of this demand for content is now on mobile devices, as people want access to media and information on the move. And with the demand for wireless services ever on the increase, wireless operators are beginning to use satellite as a way of boosting efficiency of their networks and providing coverage across remote territories.
There is little doubt that Asia remains an exciting market for satellite communications, despite regulatory frameworks, and issues such as piracy. With huge technology savvy populations, and a strong demand for the latest broadcast and communication services, expect satellite players to work overtime to cater for this demands, despite the obstacles and frustrations that may lay ahead. ■
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