Sky Perfect JSAT Corp. has embarked on a unique growth strategy in recent years, strengthening its position in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region and making it one of the largest satellite operators around the globe.
In 2007, JSAT merged with Sky Perfect Communications, a leading pay-TV operator in Japan with more than 4 million subscribers, creating a fixed satellite services (FSS) powerhouse with a strong presence in the direct-to-home (DTH) arena. The combination leaves Sky Perfect JSAT in a unique position to tap into the lucrative Japanese pay-TV market.
The satellite operator also is moving into other markets, announcing in August a strategic initiative with Stratos to target the mobile satellite services (MSS) market in Japan. The creation of JSAT Mobile Communications Inc. will bring Stratos’ portfolio of MSS, including Inmarsat and Iridium services, to the Japanese market.
Today, Sky Perfect JSAT is moving far beyond its traditional FSS roots, as the original JSAT is transforming itself into a highly diversified operator with a strong position in pay-TV as well as targeting the MSS market. The man behind this growth strategy, CEO Masanori Akiyama, discusses with Via Satellite the diverse growth strategy and the major challenges for Sky Perfect JSAT as it aims to push forward in a variety of markets throughout the coming years.
VIA SATELLITE: How has the Japanese and Asia-Pacific satellite market evolved throughout your time in the industry?
AKIYAMA: In the Japanese satellite market, we have seen growth in private sector businesses such as point-to-multipoint networks, government/public-related business and broadcasting businesses like Sky PerfecTV. Growth in the Asia-Pacific satellite market has been underpinned by video transmission and satellite Internet services.
VIA SATELLITE: Do you see Sky Perfect JSAT becoming the primary satellite operator for the Asia-Pacific region?
AKIYAMA: The Sky Perfect acquisition made us the number one satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region and the fifth largest in the world in terms of turnover and satellite ownership.
VIA SATELLITE: What is the vision for Sky Perfect JSAT’s future growth strategy?
AKIYAMA: Firstly, we are looking at the public services market. Here, we will promote the use of satellite communications in the digital divide resolution policy of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. We will also consider cooperative ventures in public satellite services based on the Basic Space Law (the basic framework for the development and use of space in Japan which allows private companies to collaborate in satellite business fields where government ministries and agencies traditionally have played a dominant role). Secondly, we are looking at the mobile business market. Our priority is to offer marine broadband services for inland and ocean-going vessels. We will also participate in mobile satellite services through our affiliated company JSAT Mobile Communications. Finally, we also want to gain more global business. We will step up transponder sales in Asia while considering potential alliances. Expanding Intelsat alliances in North America is another priority.
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