Mobile TV Shows Promise for Satellite Players, but Costs and Spectrum Availability Serve as Initial Hurdles

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 10, 2007 -- NSR today released its newest market survey and forecast report: "Mobile TV via Satellite: Assessing S-band and Channel Distribution/Backhaul Opportunities." The report provides an in-depth analysis of two distinct mobile TV via satellite opportunities (S-band and FSS channel distribution/backhaul) and presents forecasts and analysis on the expected number of users, revenues (services & CPE) and transponder demand (TPEs) in each region over the next 5 years.

The report concludes that mobile TV will produce a variety of satellite opportunities for S-band direct access and FSS channel distribution/backhauling in many markets. S-band services are generating positive results in Asia via TU Media in Korea with over 1.1 million subscribers. Additional S-band plans in Asia, Europe and potentially North America all point to positive momentum for mobile TV service delivered via S-band capacity. The continued deployment of S-DMB services and the recently approved DVB-SH standard point to positive standards-based momentum for this market segment.

Additionally, NSR anticipates an emerging market for mobile TV channel distribution and backhaul via FSS satellite capacity, especially as mobile carriers scale their networks and consider the cost of terrestrial distribution alternatives, in addition to terrestrial spectrum scarcity. Channel distribution and backhaul deals are already in place over FSS capacity in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and NSR expects these markets to generate incremental growth in tandem with terrestrial network buildout.

However, the mobile TV via satellite market will face several challenges, all of which dictate the shape of the growth curve. "NSR remains optimistic about the potential for using satellites to distribute and deliver mobile TV services; however, we have great concern about a few key hurdles," stated Christopher Baugh, President of NSR. "The cost of building out S-band networks, including satellite capacity and terrestrial repeaters, is a significant barrier to growth. Very little S-band capacity is available or planned worldwide, and the cost to implement S-band mobile TV may limit the opportunity outside of Asia in the next several years. Additionally, terrestrial broadcast spectrum scarcity may actually negatively affect satellite-based channel distribution and backhaul growth over the next several years," stated Baugh.

"Mobile TV via Satellite: Assessing S-band and Channel Distribution/Backhaul Opportunities" is a multi-client report now available from NSR. For additional information on this report, including a full table of contents, list of exhibits and executive summary, please visit www.nsr.com or call NSR at 617-576-5771.

NSR is an international market research and consulting firm specializing in satellite and wireless technology and applications. NSR's primary areas of expertise include emerging technology, IP applications, and broadcast services. With extensive expertise in all regions and a number of broadband sectors, NSR is a leading provider of in-depth market insight and analyses.