There is little doubt that Asia represents one of the most exciting regions for satellite communications and broadcast services in the world. Markets such as China, India and Indonesia, have a combined population of around 2.5 billion people. With all three countries having large segments of their populations in unserved or underserved areas, these markets contain huge opportunities for satellite players across a whole variety of applications and services.

Over recent years, some exciting dynamics are developing throughout the Asia-Pacific region as it relates to satellite services. In India, a country with a population of more than 1.1 billion people, DTH subscriber growth is exploding, with numerous operators springing up to serve the market. Only recently, Bharti Airtel, a cellular operator with more than 50 million subscribers, launched DTH services, and others will follow.

In Korea, TU Media is one of the pioneers in offering mobile TV services via satellite. The operator could become profitable next year, despite competing in a market where terrestrial competition is strong. Thaicom has long been considered one of the pioneers in offering satellite broadband services, and its strategy surrounding its IPStar satellite certainly is one of the most ambitious in this market.

Whether it is video, mobile or broadband, examples of innovative strategies using satellite abound in Asia. It is a truly breathtaking market to cover in terms of satellite, and in this supplement, we take an in-depth look at the satellite broadband markets in Asia as well as mobile TV, which has seen some interesting developments this year. In particular, Toshiba’s decision to pull the plug on its satellite mobile TV operation, Mobile Broadcasting Corporation, demonstrates that while many satellite-related markets are bursting with potential, monetizing them is not necessarily as easy as it may seem.

We hope you enjoy this snapshot into one of the most exciting regions for satellite on Earth.

Discover the emerging areas of growth in satellite-enabled communications and how to capitalize on these growing markets with the Regional Focus Forum at SATELLITE 2009, taking place March 24 – 27, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.