[Satellite News 08-11-08] BB Sat will demonstrate two-way consumer satellite broadband service in Japan beginning in October, the company announced Aug. 11.
    The demonstration, which will take place in the towns of Shobara in Hiroshima prefecture and Tsuru in Yamanashi prefecture, intends to show how broadband satellite service can play a significant part of the government’s strategy to provide broadband service to all citizens, BB Sat said.
    The service will use ViaSat’s SurfBeam system and transponder capacity aboard Space Communications Corp.’s Superbird B2 spacecraft. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will conduct the demonstration under the sponsorship of the Japanese Satellite Broadband Promotion Council. 
    "Very successful satellite broadband services aimed at consumer markets have been established in the [United States], and BB Sat will bring those same systems and services to the Japanese people,” James Beitchman, president of BB Sat, said in a statement. The company plans to launch commercial service in Japan in the 2009 second quarter.