While we're busy with establishing the hegemon, more on what those pesky Asians are up to.
Worlds' first mobile media satellite launched
By Michiyo Nakamoto
South Korea's SK Telecom and Mobile Broadcasting, a Japanese satellite broadcasting company set up by Toshiba, Toyota and others, have jointly launched the world's first satellite dedicated to beaming digital television and radio programmes to mobile terminals.
The satellite is owned by Mobile Broadcasting and TU Media, an SK business. Its launch, at a cost of Won272bn ($231m), will allow the two companies to start delivering more than 100 television and radio programmes to mobile devices at much faster speeds than previously possible.
The satellite channels are expected to be offered through existing mobile phone operators and the project has received the backing of more than 200 companies.
While Japanese mobile networks already transmit television and radio channels, digital satellite broadcasts will enable users, using special handsets, to receive programmes to mobile phones and moving cars at triple the speed of current broadcasts.
Mobile Broadcasting plans to launch the new service in July, offering about six television and 30 radio channels by third-party content providers initially. SK Telecom, however, said it was uncertain when it would be able to launch in its home market due to a delay in the revision of South Korea's broadcasting law.
Mobile Broadcasting is expected to charge monthly fees of Y1,000 ($9) to Y2,000 for the service and sign up to 1.5m subscribers by the end of 2006. The company aims to be profitable by 2006.
news.ft.com
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