Japan launches experimental internet satellite
26 February 2008
Japan launches experimental internet satellite
An experimental satellite launched by Japan at the weekend has reached orbit and is preparing to embark upon trials to deliver internet connectivity to the most remote parts of Asia.
The Kizuna satellite is equipped with three antennas, which will provide coverage to Japan, Southeast Asia and the Pacific regions under Japan's Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS) initiative.
Although Japan already has one of the highest penetration rates of broadband internet access on the planet, the eventual purpose of the satellite is to deliver broadband internet connectivity to remote regions across the Asia Pacific region. The satellite has also been touted as a potential emergency communications infrastructure in the earthquake stricken region.
The initiative has also taken about 12 years to reach the lift off stage, after multiple problems with launch vehicles for the satellite.
Meanwhile, the Japanese telecoms market is gearing up for greater competition as new entrant EMobile prepares to launch services on March 28.
EMobile is majority owned by broadband internet provider, eAccess, with a 37.6 per cent stake and Goldman Sachs with a 35.7 per cent stake.
The operator is aiming to undercut incumbent providers NTT DoCoMo, KDDI and Softbank with a model that will not see it charge a monthly subscription fee but will instead charge for calls at a rate of Y18.9 (Eur0.11) for every 30 seconds to any destination. The carrier will also offer a flat rate unlimited calls service for Y980 per month.
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