Philippines, July 3, 2007 – Members of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA), through legal counsel, have filed a Motion for Reconsideration at the Court of Appeals in Manila asking for a reversal of an appellate court decision to nullify search warrants issued against Telmarc Cable Corp., a local cable operator, for acts of copyright infringement.

“Protection of intellectual property is our highest concern and piracy is a real threat to the legitimate cable TV industry in the Philippines. The industry has no choice but to energetically appeal the appellate court decision,” says Simon Twiston Davies, Chief Executive Officer of CASBAA. “We believe that a comprehensive look at the evidence submitted to the Regional Trial Court in 2005 will lead the judiciary to reverse its ruling on the search warrants issued by that court,” says Twiston Davies. ¡°This will give the message that the government is serious in its battle against cable piracy.”

CASBAA, which represents some 120 corporations that in turn serve more than three billion people across Asia, was responsible for bringing several cable piracy complaints to the NBI in 2005. It is confident that the Court of Appeals will reverse its rulings based on the strong grounds presented in the appeal.

In its motion for reconsideration, CASBAA maintains that Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr. of the Regional Trial Court of Manila strictly complied with the rules on the issuance of search warrants by personally examining the facts and circumstances presented by National Bureau of Investigation Intellectual Property Rights Division Senior Agent Joel Tovera and other witnesses under oath during the search warrant application hearings.

CASBAA also asserts that after an exhaustive process of probing the merits of the application, the warrants were issued based on real probable cause of illegal and unauthorized decoding, rebroadcast and performance of copyrighted programs from major content providers such as Discovery Asia, HBO, AXN, Buena Vista (Walt Disney Television International) CNN International, Star Group, National Geographic and ESPN Star Sports.

Representatives of the legitimate Philippine cable industry welcomed CASBAA’s decision to appeal. “We believe the case filed by CASBAA is very strong and we are confident that the Court of Appeals will respond favorably,” says Timothy Bautista, Chief Operating Officer of Cable Boss, a major local pay-TV distributor.

– ENDS –

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada International, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, MediaFLO, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, Asia-Pacific, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, Hallmark Channel, Indovision, Irdeto, Kabelvision, Harmonic, Lovells, ProtoStar, Mabuhay, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Seagate, Shin Satellite, Standard Chartered Bank, Synovate, Ten Sports, Tata Sky, TimeWarner and Zee TV.

CONTACTS:
Helen Shek / Katie Wong
CASBAA Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Philippines, July 3, 2007 – Members of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA), through legal counsel, have filed a Motion for Reconsideration at the Court of Appeals in Manila asking for a reversal of an appellate court decision to nullify search warrants issued against Telmarc Cable Corp., a local cable operator, for acts of copyright infringement.

“Protection of intellectual property is our highest concern and piracy is a real threat to the legitimate cable TV industry in the Philippines. The industry has no choice but to energetically appeal the appellate court decision,” says Simon Twiston Davies, Chief Executive Officer of CASBAA. “We believe that a comprehensive look at the evidence submitted to the Regional Trial Court in 2005 will lead the judiciary to reverse its ruling on the search warrants issued by that court,” says Twiston Davies. ¡°This will give the message that the government is serious in its battle against cable piracy.”

CASBAA, which represents some 120 corporations that in turn serve more than three billion people across Asia, was responsible for bringing several cable piracy complaints to the NBI in 2005. It is confident that the Court of Appeals will reverse its rulings based on the strong grounds presented in the appeal.

In its motion for reconsideration, CASBAA maintains that Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr. of the Regional Trial Court of Manila strictly complied with the rules on the issuance of search warrants by personally examining the facts and circumstances presented by National Bureau of Investigation Intellectual Property Rights Division Senior Agent Joel Tovera and other witnesses under oath during the search warrant application hearings.

CASBAA also asserts that after an exhaustive process of probing the merits of the application, the warrants were issued based on real probable cause of illegal and unauthorized decoding, rebroadcast and performance of copyrighted programs from major content providers such as Discovery Asia, HBO, AXN, Buena Vista (Walt Disney Television International) CNN International, Star Group, National Geographic and ESPN Star Sports.

Representatives of the legitimate Philippine cable industry welcomed CASBAA’s decision to appeal. “We believe the case filed by CASBAA is very strong and we are confident that the Court of Appeals will respond favorably,” says Timothy Bautista, Chief Operating Officer of Cable Boss, a major local pay-TV distributor.

– ENDS –

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada International, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, MediaFLO, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, Asia-Pacific, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, Hallmark Channel, Indovision, Irdeto, Kabelvision, Harmonic, Lovells, ProtoStar, Mabuhay, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Seagate, Shin Satellite, Standard Chartered Bank, Synovate, Ten Sports, Tata Sky, TimeWarner and Zee TV.

CONTACTS:
Helen Shek / Katie Wong
CASBAA Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Singapore, June 21, 2007 – Delegates and government officials attending the June 18th CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum 2007 were warned that the unconsidered deployment of planned wireless broadband technologies is a critical threat to the operations of the Asia Pacific satellite industry’s C-band (3.4 GHz – 3.7 GHz range) services and the industry’s entire livelihood.

According to CASBAA, if regional administrations allocate C-band spectrum to much-hyped WiMAX services, the impact of a “spectrum grab” from Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) technologies could be disastrous.

Over 180 decision-making executives from the satellite industry drawn from around the world participated in the Singapore event, exchanging compelling industry insights and addressing issues facing the vibrant Asia Pacific market.

“Unlike BWA, which can be located in other spectrum bands, satellite providers do not have the option of changing frequencies. We cannot go anywhere. We cannot change frequencies for satellite services tomorrow,” said Peter Jackson, CEO of blue chip satellite operator AsiaSat.

In addition to WiMAX, various 4G mobile telephony initiatives are targeting the entire range of C-Band spectrum in meetings of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), officials attending the meeting from India, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Singapore were warned.

“Indeed, the entire satellite industry in the Asia Pacific could be affected, with operators forced to shut down satellite services along with hundreds of TV channels. If this proposed bandwidth grab is finalised, the effects on the media and satellite industries could be catastrophic,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO of CASBAA.

Barry Turner, GM, Engineering of AsiaSat explained that “the severity of the interference from Broadband Wireless Access technology is now well understood, and in the countries where broadband wireless trials have been licensed, the “jamming” of satellite signals has blacked out numerous customers. It is telling that the ITU and BWA industry bodies already agree on the effects, now leaving each national administration to choose between killing satellite C-band or putting BWA in a different frequency band.”

That’s why Asia Pacific satellite industry leaders have been calling on governments to take a considered approach in the allocation of existing satellite services. Processes to consider such allocations are under way in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia, Taiwan and the Philippines, among others.

The provision of “open skies” with unrestricted access for satellite services to domestic markets was also discussed at the Forum. Once again, CASBAA delegates were united in a call for governments to allow the industry to realize the full opportunity of such policies.

“Satellite has great potential to bridge the digital divide,” said Ken Cheong, Regional Director Asia Pacific, of global operator Inmarsat. “As a worldwide provider, the more markets we can reach, the more we can bring down pricing and increase affordability. We can support rural and social development programs across Asia and do so in an affordable way.”

Nevertheless, while the operating environment in the region has been improving, the further adoption of best practices — both technical and regulatory — and the introduction of new satellite investment are essential factors for enhancing industry growth.

“The good news is that we are making progress and there have been substantial positive steps in the right direction. As we have more successes, we can provide better and cheaper services throughout Asia,” said Gregg Daffner, the President of Asia Broadcast Satellite.

The 180 decision-making delegates in Singapore also heard that the demand of mobile TV, Direct to Home (DTH) and HDTV services will be key drivers for massive future growth.

Emerging mobile TV services are sweeping the world with the Asia Pacific market benefiting from that development. Dr. Young-Kil Suh, President and CEO of TU Media of South Korea delivered an upbeat keynote address on the phenomenal growth of Mobile TV in his home market, where TU Media serves 1.1 million consumers via handheld TV devices. “Customers expect the same quality and coverage of our service as they get with voice mobile. Indoor is as important as outdoor,” he said.

Asia is also set to be the single most important DTH market in the world. For example, India’s DTH market has grown to 5 million subscribers in just over two years and the rest of Asia wants to follow. Mass audiences in Asia are also slowly gearing up for High Definition TV (HDTV) services following the US, where 24 of the 48 million HDTV sets in the US are effectively connected to HD content. HDTV has become a key demand driver for TV audiences the world over and 100% conversion is just a matter of time, delegates were told.

“Today’s gathering highlights the need for a technically enlightened, lightly regulated environment for our industry, which has made billions of dollars in long term investment in equipment and services,” said David Ball, the Chairman of the CASBAA Satellite Industry Committee and Intelsat’s regional VP, Asia Pacific.

“Open Skies, technologically neutral and open markets are essential for the growth of the media and telecommunication sector – and it will continue now in Asia – if our regulator colleagues can grasp the nettle of technological change,” said Mr. Twiston Davies of CASBAA.

– ENDS –

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Comverse, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada International, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, MediaFLO, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Amarchand Mangaldas, Arianespace, Asian Food Channel, BBC Global Channels, Asia Pacific, Boeing Space Systems International, EADS Astrium, ESPN STAR Sports, Eutelsat, Fu Yang Media, GMA Network Inc, ILS, JSAT, Lockheed Martin, Loral Skynet, Mabuhay Satellite, MEASAT, National Geographic, NDS, Orbit Satellite TV & Radio Network, Paul Weiss, ProtoStar, Satlink Communications, SES Global, Shin Satellite, Starhub, Tata Sky, Ten Sports and Zee Television.

CONTACTS:
Helen Shek / Katie Wong
CASBAA Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, Karachi, May 29th, 2007 – The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) are pleased to announce details of the re-scheduled Electronic Media Exhibition and Conference (EMEC) in Karachi, Pakistan, July 17th – 18th 2007.

Themed “A Digital Future for Pakistan”, the international forum will be hosted by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and co-organised by the PBA and CASBAA.

Issues covered by the high-level forum will include the development of a world class pay-TV industry within Pakistan, international best practices for content development and the impact of digital technologies such as IPTV and Mobile TV. Speakers will be drawn from media companies from across the world.

“We are delighted to reschedule this extremely important event for the future of Pakistan’s broadcasting industry,” said Mr Iftikhar Rashid, the Chairman of PEMRA. “More than ever, the deployment of advanced cable systems, Direct-to-Home satellite services and IPTV systems, will underpin Pakistan’s communications market.”

“The staging of the the conference and exhibition will provide a unique opportunity to examine international best practices and new technologies that can be brought to Pakistan,” said Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, the chairman of the PBA and chairman of Pakistan broadcaster GEO TV.

“CASBAA greatly welcomes this new opportunity to forge closer relationships with the PBA and PEMRA and engender further market growth,” said Marcel Fenez, the Chairman of CASBAA.

# # #

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada International, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, Asia-Pacific, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, Hallmark Channel, Indovision, Irdeto, Kabelvision, Harmonic, Lovells, ProtoStar, Mabuhay, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Seagate, Shin Satellite, Standard Chartered Bank, Synovate, Tata Sky, Ten Sports, TimeWarner and Zee TV.

ABOUT Pakistan Broadcasters Association
Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) is the representative body of all broadcast houses in Pakistan – comprising operators of TV channels as well as FM Radio stations. The various objectives that the Association has set for itself include augmenting a climate that is conducive for all stakeholders of this industry. Currently, besides putting an accreditation system in place that will ensure that rules for conducting business with advertising agencies, media buying houses, and advertisers are professionally implemented in a transparent manner, a research project for TV ratings is already on the anvil.

CONTACTS:
CASBAA
Katie Wong
Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

PBA
Jamil Syed
Executive Director
Tel: +9221 2793061
Fax: +9221 2793045
Email: jamil.syed@pakbroadcasters.org

Hong Kong, April 26, 2007 – The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) today announced five new Corporate Members of the Association drawn from India, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the US.

Two new members have signed up as CASBAA Corporate Members from India: broadcaster Zee Entertainment Enterprises, headquartered in Mumbai and law firm Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co., an intellectual property rights specialist based in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan cable operator Fu Yang Media Technology, a division of the Fubon Group and formerly known as Pacific Broadband, has also signed as a Corporate Member of CASBAA, as has Hong Kong-based technology advisory group ITSun. The fifth new Corporate Member of CASBAA is Asia-Pacific focused regional DTH satellite operator ProtoStar headquartered in San Francisco.

“We believe the new memberships, especially those in India and Taiwan reflect the new internationalization of our industry, as well as the effective work that CASBAA undertakes as an industry voice,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CASBAA CEO. “Leading content players are looking beyond immediate domestic agendas, while infrastructure specialists see new value in international best practice and regional experience. Our industry is reaching a new level of maturity thanks to new capital and technological change.”

The CASBAA membership now includes more than 125 member companies drawn from 14 markets, running from Japan to India, and China to New Zealand.

While CASBAA’s advocacy work continues across its multiple markets, the Association’s events program for 2007 includes the CASBAA Satellite Industry Forum (Singapore, June 18th), the CASBAA China Sports TV Forum (Beijing, August 23rd) and the CASBAA Convention 2007 in Hong Kong (Oct 30th – Nov 2nd).

# # #

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Comverse, Discovery Networks Asia, EMC, Granada International, HBO Asia, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, Hallmark Channel, Indovision, Irdeto, Kabelvision, Harmonic, Lovells, Mabuhay, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Seagate, Shin Satellite, Standard Chartered Bank, Synovate and TimeWarner.

CONTACTS:
CASBAA
Sharon Galistan/ Katie Wong
CASBAA Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

Hong Kong, April 24, 2007 – The ABU, CASBAA and UNICEF are now inviting Asia-Pacific broadcasters and producers to submit entries for the Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2007.

Programmes both for children and about children are eligible and can cover any child rights issue. Entries can include documentaries that detail the plight of children, dramas that help break down stereotypes and discrimination, or animation that teaches and entertains.

Entries must have been broadcast between August 2006 and July 2007 and must be received by 10 August 2007. The award will be presented at the CASBAA Convention in Hong Kong on 2 November 2007. The winner will be flown to Hong Kong for the ceremony.

Past winners include:
• 2006: Conquering the Darkness – The Fight Against Memories of Abuse, by Japan’s Kansai Telecasting Corporation
• 2005: Juvenile Injustice, by Philippines’ ABS-CBN Channel 2
• 2004: Hong Kong Connection: Children In Need, by Radio Television Hong Kong
• 2003: Angels in Prison, by Philippines’ GMA-7 Channel
• 2002: Child Soldiers, by Radio Television Hong Kong
• 2001: Children Will Grow, by Japan’s Mainichi Institute

The ABU-CASBAA-UNICEF Child Rights Award, launched in 2001, is given each year for the best television programming on a child rights issue produced in the Asia-Pacific region. It recognizes the efforts of broadcasters in pursuing the production of top-quality children’s programming and better news coverage of children’s issues.

To obtain more information on the award, please visit www.childrightsaward.org or contact kjirathun@unicef.org. Details on the Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found at www.unicef.org/crc.

Note to editors:
Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA)
CASBAA is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Among the highest priorities for CASBAA is the promotion of free and fair markets, the protection of intellectual property rights and the development of thriving and competitive domestic communications industries. CASBAA ‘s focus in 2007 will be the impact of Mobile technologies; stepping up initiatives in India and China; continuing to engage the regulatory authorities in multiple markets; promoting industry development in Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan among others; and promoting the effectiveness of pay-TV as an advertising medium.
www.casbaa.com

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)
ABU is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organizations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the region. It is a forum for promoting the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters and activities to encourage regional and international cooperation among them. It currently has more than 170 members in 56 countries, representing a potential audience of about 3 billion people. It organizes many projects to promote excellence in broadcasting and to improve the programmes, skills and technologies of its members, including the ABU Children’s TV Programme Item Exchange.
www.abu.org.my

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF works in 155 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world¡¯s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and HIV infection. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
www.unicef.org/eapro
www.unicef.org/rosa

For further information, please contact:
ABU (Kuala Lumpur)
Lisa Mohamad
+ 603 2282-3592
lisa@abu.org.my

CASBAA
Sharon Galistan
+852 2854 9913
pr@casbaa.com

UNICEF Bangkok
Madeline Eisner
+66 2 356 9406 or
+66 1 8 701 4626
meisner@unicef.org

Kritsada Jirathun
+66 2 356 92 49 or
+66 9 8 174 9525
kjirathun@unicef.org

Mumbai, March 23rd, 2007 – National economic gains from a new approach to investment in cable-TV infrastructure could deliver a 54.6 billion rupee (US$1.2 billion) increase in economic activity and 18 billion rupees in new tax revenues within five years, according to the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA).

However, even with a target of 20 million cable broadband subscribers by 2010, the India market would remain less than half the size of the China market which, like India, is experiencing national economic growth of more than 9% per year.

“To achieve this goal we will need a new approach to capital investment in pay-TV, including abandoning the view that cable should be treated as a utility with commodity-like price controls. Today, the approach is more in-line with old-style thinking on electricity services or traditional political battlefields like print media,” said Anjan Mitra, the CASBAA Executive Director (India).

“The fact is that if we don’t change our entire attitude to cable, we could suffer nothing less than a ‘digital failure’. However, if policymakers get the environment right, there will be huge rewards for the economy, first in the big cities, but then rolling out to the still needy rural areas.”

According to CASBAA, India’s cable TV networks are a huge national asset built over more than a decade by private investment. “We should recognise this important fact and use those networks to create significant new economic activity,” said Mr. Mitra. With around 70 million homes wired, cable TV already plays a bigger role in India than in any other major market.

CASBAA is a regional industry body representing 120 multi-sectoral players such as AsiaSat, Intelsat, Nokia, Sun Microsystems, IBM, CSM Sofres, Synovate, NDS, Standard Chartered Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as the likes of Turner International, Walt Disney and HBO Asia. Other CASBAA members include regionally successful pay-TV and broadband operators such as PCCW of Hong Kong, TrueVisions of Thailand, Astro of Malaysia, StarHub of Singapore and Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan.

During an Executive Briefing for CASBAA members and invited guests at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, the industry organisation called on the Government of India to learn the lessons of telecoms liberalisation and to let consumers decide “what they want to pay for cable TV services and what they want to watch. After that, for digital networks, it’s a matter of “build and they will come’.”

According to John Medeiros, the CASBAA VP for Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, “digital broadband is changing the face of the economically crucial global communications sector and India will benefit hugely if it joins that revolution.”

Mr. Medeiros noted that global experience shows that while the adoption of digital TV may start slowly, the pace of change picks up quickly.

“The very nature of (digital) cable broadband provides consumers with more content choice and more price options; on-demand services become pervasive, allowing people to choose exactly what they want to watch and when, as well as yet more choice in terms of linear (traditional) TV channels.”

According to Mr. Mitra, the greatest opportunities for economic growth will only come when the investment climate is right for consolidation of India¡¯s thousands of small cable operators in the big metros and rural areas which are then able to upgrade their last-mile networks. “Today, MSO cash flow – the bloodline of the communications business – is constrained, leaving the industry handicapped when it taps into the capital markets.”

“The exciting experience of other countries – and already seen in the Indian telecoms industry – is that domestic and overseas investors are ready and able to generate the large sums necessary to deploy cable broadband – if there is a chance of reasonable returns,” said Mr. Medeiros.

But most importantly, said CASBAA, “government funds are not needed to achieve these goals. What is necessary is a supportive environment.”

# # #

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks (ABN), Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Comverse, Discovery Networks Asia, EMC, Granada International, HBO Asia, IBM, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, BBC, Eutelsat, JSAT, KDB Skylife, MEASAT, Orbit, RAI International, Taj TV, TV5 Monde, and Viaccess.

CONTACTS:
CASBAA
Sharon Galistan/ Katie Wong
Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

New Delhi, March 19th, 2007 – India’s broadcasting and telecommunications industries today renewed calls for the Government of India to optimise the regulation of satellite services to provide greater choice for consumers while taking “a long-term and a considered approach to allocating existing satellite services¡¯ bandwidth to terrestrial wireless services such as WiMax.”

Indian and international industry organisations such as the VSAT Association of India (VSAI), the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), and the regionally-based Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) are concerned that a proposed “spectrum grab” for current satellite bandwidth in the 3.4GHz-3.7Ghz range used by Indian and international satellite operators could close down satellite services including hundreds of TV channels across India.

“For instance, the largely unconsidered implications of the proposed changes could be catastrophic for news broadcasters which use the lower end of the C-band spectrum,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO of CASBAA. “This is exactly the radio spectrum now being given over to untried WiMax services, which could easily use other frequencies.”

An emergency meeting on these issues was attended today by members of the VSAI, CASBAA and the GVF who exchanged views and information with government officials, including representatives of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Planning Commission (which reports direct to the Cabinet). The meeting covered numerous issues, including the need for expansion of Indian access on a long-term basis to competitively priced international satellite communications services.

Also in attendance was the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) which was praised for fueling growth in satellite communications that will play a vital role in India future economic development. “ISRO’s key role is to grow the now maturing Indian space market, while at the same time partnering with more of the world’s greatest telecommunications companies,” said David Ball, the chairman of the CASBAA Satellite Industry Committee and VP Asia Pacific for satellite operator Intelsat.

According to several speakers during the meeting, satellite services have underpinned India’s communications revolution, but they must be fairly, openly and efficiently allocated to operators on an even handed basis if the Indian people are to enjoy the greatest benefit. A capacity crunch has already developed that sees demand for satellite services vastly outstripping supply of transponders, and the proposed re-allocation of spectrum for WiMax services will turn a crunch into a crisis.

“Today, India remains woefully under-provisioned in many areas of satellite capacity and yet we have the potential to revolutionise the public’s access to new and exciting interactive media and telecommunications,” said D.P. Vaidya, President of the New Delhi-based VSAI.

“Broadcast channels supported by bandwidth-hungry broadband TV, and two-way broadband interactive telecommunications services, cannot be deployed unless there is a significant increase in access to in-orbit satellite inventory for Indian users,” said Martin Jarrold, Chief of International Programme Development for the GVF.

During the summit, the private sector called upon the Government of India to implement a long-term TRAI recommendation that an “Open Skies” policy should be adopted for DTH and VSAT operators similar to that available to ISPs. According to TRAI, DTH and VSAT providers “should be allowed to work directly with any international satellite.”

International satellite operators stressed their desire to service India’s growing market on a long-term basis, but Twiston Davies noted that Asian demand for transponders is increasing. Satellite operators are not likely to continue past practice of making satellite capacity available to India on short-term contracts, he said. “This is an industry that operates on the basis of long-term commitments. Indian users should be allowed to conclude such contracts directly with outside suppliers. India’s current economic growth cannot be sustained by domestic satellite resources alone.”

# # #

According to a joint CASBAA-GVF paper released during the meeting, there is already a severe shortfall of transponder capacity in the Ku-band to meet the demands of India’s direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasters. Even if there is no reallocation of satellite frequencies for terrestrial wireless applications, with new domestic supply of DTH and VSAT capacity limited to a best-case total of 39 additional government-sanctioned transponders for India over the next three years, the shortfall will remain in the Ku-band, and by 2012 spread to the C-band as well. This will severely impair the ability of any company wishing to use Indian uplinked DTH or VSAT services. Reallocation of satellite frequencies for terrestrial wireless applications, on top of the existing capacity shortage, will produce a crisis.

ABOUT VSAI – www.vsatindia.org
VSAT Services Association of India (VSAI) acts as a central coordinating body representing VSAT network operators & VSAT users in India and associated organisations from the satellite industry in India and abroad. VSAI is also a founder member of the Global VSAT Forum.

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia is an industry association dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel television via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific region. CASBAA represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than 3 billion people. Member organisations include Australia Network, AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), AsiaSat, ASTRO (Malaysia), BBC, Bloomberg Television, Discovery Networks Asia, Eutelsat, HBO Asia, IBM, Intelsat, JSAT, KDB Skylife, MEASAT, Macquarie Bank, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, NOW Broadband TV, Orbit, PricewaterhouseCoopers, RAI International, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, Taj TV, TrueVisions (Thailand), Turner International Asia Pacific, TV5 Monde, Viaccess, Walt Disney Television International, and Zonemedia.

ABOUT GVF – www.gvf.org
The Global VSAT Forum is an association of key companies involved in the business of delivering advanced digital fixed satellite systems and services to consumers, and commercial and government enterprises worldwide. The Forum, comprising 200 member organizations in 85 countries, is independent and non-profit and has a global remit. It is also non-partisan – any companies or organisations with an interest in the VSAT industry are encouraged to join.

CONTACTS:
VSAI
Wg. Cdr. (Ret¡¯d.) B.G. Bhalla
Secretary General
Tel: +91 (011) 335 0633
Fax: +91 (011) 372 3909
Email: bbhalla@luthra.com

CASBAA
Sharon Galistan/ Katie Wong
Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

GVF
David Hartshorn
Secretary General
Tel: +1 202 626 6881
Fax: +1 703 683 1887
Email: david.hartshorn@gvf.org

Pakistan Broadcasters Association, CASBAA and PEMRA announce International Forum
Hong Kong, Karachi, February 27th, 2007 – The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) are pleased to announce details of the first Electronic Media Exhibition and Conference (EMEC) in Karachi, Pakistan, May15th – 16th 2007.

Themed “A Digital Future for Pakistan”, the international forum will be hosted by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and co-organised by the PBA and CASBAA.

Issues covered by the high-level forum will include the development of a world class pay-TV industry within Pakistan, international best practices for content development and the impact of digital technologies such as IPTV on new business models. Speakers will be drawn from media companies from across the world.

“This is a uniquely exciting time for broadcasting in Pakistan,” said Mr Iftikhar Rashid, the Chairman of PEMRA. “With the introduction of advanced cable systems, Direct-to-Home satellite services and IPTV systems, Pakistan is on the cusp of great change. During our conference PEMRA will welcome the participation of specialists in international best practices and the suppliers of the very best of the new technologies.”

“Pakistan is experiencing unprecedented growth in broadcast services,” said Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, the chairman of the PBA and chairman of Pakistan broadcaster GEO TV. “The PBA, working with CASBAA, will provide a rare opportunity to examine international business models and technologies that can be brought to Pakistan.”

“As a regional industry body devoted to the advancement of multi-channel television, CASBAA is delighted to partner with the PBA and with PEMRA to forge new relationships,” said Marcel Fenez, the Chairman of CASBAA.

###

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
CASBAA is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. The Association represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro, Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Chunghwa Telecom, Comverse, Discovery Networks Asia, EMC, Granada International / ITV Worldwide, HBO Asia, IBM, Intelsat, Macquarie, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Al Jazeera, Anytime, Asian Food Channel, BBC World, Celestial Movies, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, Hallmark Channel, Hong Kong Cable, Irdeto, Lovells, Measat, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Sky News Australia, Synovate and TimeWarner.

ABOUT Pakistan Broadcasters Association
Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) is the representative body of all broadcast houses in Pakistan ¨C comprising operators of TV channels as well as FM Radio stations. The various objectives that the Association has set for itself include augmenting a climate that is conducive for all stakeholders of this industry. Currently, besides putting an accreditation system in place that will ensure that rules for conducting business with advertising agencies, media buying houses, and advertisers are professionally implemented in a transparent manner, a research project for TV ratings is already on the anvil.

CONTACTS:
CASBAA
Sharon Galistan/ Katie Wong
Communications
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com

PBA
Jamil Syed
Executive Director
Tel: +9221 2793061
Fax: +9221 2793045
Email: jamil.syed@pakbroadcasters.org

Manila, Philippines, February 22, 2007 – CASBAA today lauded the Philippines Department of Justice (DoJ) for recommending the filing of 12 criminal “informations for copyright infringement” against cable operator Maguindanao Skycable CATV and its directors and officers, including Mrs. Estrellita T. Juliano-Tamano and Joaquin Tamano.

Speaking on behalf of the CASBAA members who filed complaints with the DoJ against Maguindanao Skycable, CASBAA said the DoJ had strengthened the industry’s faith in a government commitment to protect intellectual property rights.

“With this decision, the DoJ strongly demonstrates the Philippine government’s strong political will to address the worsening pay-TV piracy situation. We are pleased with this development and eager to see the prosecution of the complaints,” said Simon Twiston Davies, the CEO, CASBAA.

CASBAA and its members filed the complaints against Maguindanao Skycable for illegally acquiring and transmitting copyrighted programming from AXN, CNN International, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, the Disney Channel, ESPN Star Sports, HBO Asia, MTV Asia, National Geographic, Star Movies, Star World, and Star Sports.

The complaints were filed based on evidence gathered by the National Bureau of Investigation – Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD) following a period of intensive surveillance and a raid on Maguindanao Skycable’s offices and head-end in Cotabato City in the southern Philippines.

Under Section 217 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293), the directors and/or officers of a cable operator who have illegally transmitted copyrighted programs face a jail term of up to three (3) years and fines amounting to Php 150, 000.00 for the first offense. The courts may also order a convicted operator to pay damages for economic losses resulting from the unauthorized broadcasting of copyrighted programs.

The Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) also welcomed the DoJ resolution, saying it is a “positive step towards creating a competitive Philippine pay-TV market that provides a level playing field for cable operators”.

###

ABOUT CASBAA – www.casbaa.com
CASBAA is an industry-based advocacy group dedicated to the promotion of multi-channel TV via cable, satellite, broadband and wireless video networks across the Asia-Pacific. The Association represents some 120 Asia-based corporations, which in turn serve more than three billion people. Members include AETN International (History Channel), Asia Broadcast Networks, Asia Broadcast Satellite, AsiaSat, Astro (Malaysia), Australia Network, Bloomberg Television, Comverse, Chunghwa Telecom, Discovery Networks Asia, Granada, EMC, HBO Asia, IBM, Intelsat, Macquarie Bank, Motorola, MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Nokia, now TV, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sony Pictures Television International, STAR Group, Sun Microsystems, TrueVisions, Turner International Asia Pacific, Walt Disney Television International, Zonemedia, Anytime, BBC Global Channels, BBC World, ESPN STAR Sports, Eurosport, GMA Networks, Hallmark Channel, Indovision, Irdeto, Kabelvision, Harmonic, Lovells, Mabuhay, Motorola, National Geographic, Paul Weiss, Seagate, Shin Satellite, SkyCable, Standard Chartered Bank, Synovate and TimeWarner.

CONTACTS:
Angel Limgenco/Donna Garcia
Strategic Edge Inc.
Tel: +63 2 892 0247
Fax: +63 2 892 0223
Email: donna.garcia@seinc.com.ph

Katie Wong
Communications, CASBAA
Tel: +852 2854 9913
Fax: +852 2854 9530
Email: pr@casbaa.com