Mobile TV Shows Promise for Satellite Players, but Costs and Spectrum Availability Serve as Initial Hurdles
New NSR Report Analyzes Satellite-Based Mobile TV Opportunities in All Regions
| Source: NSR
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.