AUGUST 30, 2006 - The Asia Pacific region offers the strongest growth potential and opportunities in the next five years for Direct-to-Home (DTH) service providers, particularly multisystem operators (MSO). DTH video is the flagship service to establish a foothold in previously underserved emerging markets. By achieving economies of scale and providing quality local content, service providers can capture a huge and profitable consumer base.

New analysis from global growth consulting company Frost & Sullivan (www.spaceandcommunications.frost.com), Asia Pacific Satellite DTH Market, reveals that the total pay-TV market - covering nine Asia-Pac countries - was worth US$19.24 billion in 2005, and is forecasted to reach US$45.20 billion in 2012. Satellite DTH services alone will account for approximately 46.3 percent, or US$20.91 billion, of the total pay-TV revenues in 2012.

"The reality of the next decade for DTH service providers is convergence," explains Frost & Sullivan research analyst James Lye. "To create new revenue streams, providers need to shift beyond individual technology and service platforms towards an MSO model, reaching consumers through any efficient medium."

Consumers are increasingly looking to a single provider for integrated solutions - offering voice, data and video services. The Asia-Pac region offers unique opportunities as newly emergent communities demand telecommunication services in vast unwired areas. By using video content as the flagship offering, DTH providers can gain a strong position in the market and uncover ways of tapping into the lucrative voice and data demand.

A DTH provider needs to achieve economies of scale, resulting in lower operating costs, breaking key price barriers for consumer adoption, as well as granting easy access to premium content. However, establishing a region-wide service can be hindered by stringent regulations prevalent in many Asia-Pac countries.

"The lack of local language content often limits the potential customer base," explains Lye. "Premium content will drive initial growth, but content relevant to the local or regional scene will sustain interest and customer loyalty."

In the highly fragmented Asia Pacific market, it is important to provide not only premium global content, but also superior quality local programs to differentiate the service offerings from other available ones. Key to capturing the regional market is specialized content, inclusive of local sports, news and entertainment, which requires local production capabilities.

The Asia Pacific Satellite DTH Market study is part of the Space Communications subscription. It evaluates the most dynamic Asia Pacific DTH video market, including a detailed country-by-country analysis. Analyst interviews are available to the press.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides service providers, vendors/manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the Asia Pacific DTH market, then send an email to Letticia Leopold, Corporate Communications at [email protected] with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, city, state, country and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.frost.com

Contact:

Sarah Lourdes Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific P: +603 6204 5878 F: +603 6201 7402 E: [email protected]	Sharmin Jassal Corporate Communications - Australia P: +61 2 8247 8900 F: +61 2 9252 8066 E: [email protected]
Letticia Leopold Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific P: +603.6204.5816 E: [email protected]