The combination of geography and information- and entertainment-hungry populations ensures that mobile communications always will be in demand throughout the Asia-Pacific region. With only a few exceptions, satellite looks to be in good position in the market.

The demand for mobile data by both the enterprise and consumer markets barely slowed during the economic turndown and now is ramping up again as the economy begins to show overall growth, especially in the corporate and enterprise markets. While the maritime market slowed briefly in the past year, the rebound has begun and the biggest problem for some satellite equipment providers is that they are having a problem finding enough product to satisfy demand.

On the other side is the mobile TV market, which has taken longer than expected to gain any real traction in the Asia-Pacific region. And those mobile TV platforms that are beginning to ramp-up operations and revenues are relying more on the terrestrial providers than satellite services to deliver the content. While there may still be opportunities for satellite to gain a foothold in the mobile TV market in the region, no one seems overly optimistic about the possibility.

There is plenty of mobile services revenue to be found in the Asia-Pacific region, and the satellite sector finds itself in a strong position as customers find themselves ready to spend on services and equipment again.