Welcome to our third edition of Via Satellite Asia where once again we put the spotlight on one of the world’s most vibrant regions for satellite communications. One of the big topics at trade shows across the region this year will be 4K and how fast the implementation might be. Certainly, there are a lot of very technology savvy markets and broadcasters, such as NHK in Japan, that have been at the cutting edge of bringing these broadcasts to a wider audience. It is interesting to note that some pay-TV operators such as Tata Sky are already planning for a 4K future in India. With growth in DTH still going strong in many markets in the region, 4K could be a key differentiator.

While the broadcast and DTH markets get a lot of airtime, there are many growth opportunities for satellite players in the region, whether cellular backhaul, maritime, in-flight connectivity, etc. Here, we talk to a cross-section of the industry and find out where they see the main opportunities.

We are also delighted to talk to Swee Lin Liew, the chief commercial officer of Astro, Malaysia’s leading DTH operator, about its plans to grow this market. Liew gives us a unique perspective on what we can expect next here. Finally, we have Wei Li of Euroconsult taking a closer look at satellite market in China.

We hope you enjoy the edition and the Asia Pacific Pay-TV Operators Summit in Bali hosted by our good friends at Media Partners Asia, which is a “must attend” for the industry in Asia. We are delighted to be working with them again.

Mark Holmes is the editorial director of Via Satellite and
Avionics magazines.