Final Report of the
Study Group Concerning
Satellite Broadcasting
--The Future Direction
of Satellite Broadcasting--
December
25, 2002
Information
and Communications Policy
Bureau
Ministry of Public Management,
Home Affairs, Posts
and Telecommunications
Contents
Introduction
The Study Group Concerning
Satellite Broadcasting
was established in March
of this year with the
objective of conducting
necessary investigations
into the future direction
of satellite broadcasting
as it enters a new phase
with the advent of BS
(broadcast satellite)
digital broadcasts and
110-degree east longitude
CS (communications satellite)
digital broadcasts and
the coming into force
of the Law Concerning
Broadcast on Telecommunications
Services. The Study Group
also investigated the
expansion of satellite
broadcasting in the near
future.After inviting comments
from the general public,
in July the Study Group
prepared an Interim Report
on the expansion of satellite
broadcasting from the
perspective of responding
rapidly to changes in
the satellite broadcasting
environment.
The Study Group also
examined the future direction
of satellite broadcasting
overall and the positioning
of each satellite broadcast
category. This Final Report,
entitled "The Future
Direction of Satellite
Broadcasting," focuses
on these issues as well
as the development of
satellite broadcasting
in the next five to ten
years.
This Final Report does
not cover issues that
were dealt with in the
Interim Report unless
there was some specific
need to do so. The Interim
Report and the Final Report
together may be considered
a comprehensive report
of the Study Group's investigations
and findings.
The members of the
Study Group hope that
these reports will provide
some perspective on the
direction of future satellite
broadcasting development
and will contribute to
the further development
and expansion of satellite
broadcasting.
1.
The Future Satellite
Broadcasting Environment
When considering the
direction of satellite
broadcasting in the
next five to ten years,
it is necessary first
to prepare an overview
of the satellite broadcasting
environment in the future.
In order to address
this issue, the Study
Group looked at hardware
issues affecting satellite
broadcasting from the
perspective of advances
in technology and changes
in usable frequencies;
software issues from
the perspective of developments
in the supply of programming;
and issues concerning
the satellite broadcasting
business from the perspective
of developments in viewer
preferences and the
advertising market.
(1)
Advances in Technology
and Changes in Usable
Frequencies Reduction
in Technological Differences
Between BS and CS
Until recently, there
existed certain technological
differences between
broadcast satellites
(BS), which use broadcast
frequencies, and communications
satellites (CS), which
use communications frequencies,
such as the output of
the satellite transponders.
Today, however, the
differences, at least
from a technological
perspective, are narrowing.
Nonetheless, there are
instances in which the
transmission capacity
per transponder or polarization
types differ depending
on the satellite and
in which the modulation
protocol or the restricted
receiver systems used
for customer control
differ according to
the satellite broadcast.
Accordingly, it is necessary
to keep in mind that
there are operational
differences.
Expansion of Digital
Broadcasting
As was pointed out in
the Interim Report,
it is fundamentally
possible to accomplish
with digital broadcasting
all that can be done
with analog broadcasting,
while digital broadcasting
offers the potential
to provide a variety
of services that are
not possible with analog.
Consequently, considering
the superiority of digital
technology compared
to analog technology
and that digital receivers,
which are currently
more expensive than
analog receivers, are
expected to continue
falling in price, it
must be assumed that
in the future an increasing
share of satellite broadcasting
will be digital and
that digital receivers
will replace analog
receivers.
It is likely that
advanced digital satellite
broadcasting will make
full use of the unique
characteristics of digital
technologies and that
a broader range of high-quality
and varied services
will be made available.
In addition, as digital
technologies advance
even further, effective
utilization of bandwidth
will similarly advance.
It is believed, however,
that large-scale increases
in utilization efficiency
resulting from the transition
from analog to digital
will be difficult to
achieve.
Changes in Usable Frequencies
It is necessary to keep
in mind the fact that
in the future, frequencies
that can actually be
utilized for satellite
broadcasting will include,
in addition to the frequencies
used by satellites currently
in operation, additional
BS channels and frequencies
in the 2.6-GHz band
(for audio).
Technology Development
Development of technologies
related to the utilization
of frequencies above
the 21 GHz band, which
are currently not used
for satellite broadcasting,
and to phased array
antennas, which can
improve the reliability
of satellite broadcasts,
is advancing and application
of these technologies
is anticipated. Actual
application, however,
is expected to take
place sometime after
the five- to ten-year
scope covered by the
Study Group's investigations.
In
addition, it must be
considered that in addition
to the geostationary
satellite system currently
in use, development
of quasi-zenithal satellite
systems will continue
and there is the possibility
that broadcasts using
these types of new satellite
systems will be introduced.
(2)
Developments in the
Supply of Programming
Programming
Compared to the expansion
of transmission channels
in satellite broadcasting
and other media, the
increase in the supply
of programming suitable
for broadcast is subject
to certain limitations.
As a result, the
relationship between
supply and demand will
likely result in increasing
prices for programming
that is agreeable to
viewers over the short
term.
Programming that is
agreeable to viewers
will likely be put to
multiple applications
by employing a variety
of channels, and the
efficient multiple application
of programming will
require the adoption
of certain rules for
that purpose. Since
the cooperation and
agreement of concerned
parties will be necessary
for the formation of
such rules, it should
be kept in mind that
undertakings in this
direction are essential
and that a certain amount
of time will be necessary.
Key Points concerning
the Use of Digital Programming
Digital broadcasting
will necessarily require
the use of digital programming,
and it must be kept
in mind that there are
significant differences
from the use of analog
programming such as
the calls for strong
copy protection with
the use of digital programming.
With regard to this
point, technical standards
for the protection of
rights to programming
used in digital broadcasting
were adopted in June
2002. Since a systematic
response is now possible,
further actions by broadcasters
are expected.
(3)
Developments in Viewer
Preferences and the
Advertising Market Gaining
Viewer Preferences Amidst
Increases in Media
As the number and types
of media increase, the
spread of new media
will require that such
media be distinguished
from others. If they
do not have some areas
of comparative superiority,
it will be difficult
for them to gain viewer
acceptance. The areas
of superiority of satellite
broadcasting compared
to other media include,
in particular, the ability
to cover the entire
nation with a single
broadcast and the ability
to use a wide bandwidth.
The full utilization
of these strengths is
linked directly to the
expansion and widespread
use of satellite broadcasting.
Within
the relationship between
satellite broadcasting
and other media with
respect to viewer preferences,
the relationship with
Internet usage is a
focus of attention,
but the relationship
between the two has
both elements of being
substitute media and
elements of being complementary
media, so the relationship
is not entirely clear
at this stage.
Developments in Viewer
Preferences Concerning
Free and Fee-Based Broadcasts
Viewer preferences vary
depending on whether
the programming is free
of charge or fee based.
With respect to fee-based
programming, the number
of viewers is limited
and there is a limit
to the amount that viewers
are willing to pay.
It
is believed, however,
that the number of viewers
with a preference for
free programming is
higher than the number
of viewers with a preference
for fee-based programming.
In the case of free
programming, however,
if the initial costs
for antenna and receiver
installation are high,
this will limit the
number of potential
viewers, although not
to the same extent as
in the case of fee-based
programming.
Developments in the
Advertising Market
Free programming is
dependent upon advertising
for its operating revenues,
but the advertising
market in Japan grows
at essentially the same
rate as GDP, so it is
necessary to keep in
mind that there is a
practical limit to the
potential scale of the
overall advertising
market.
Other Developments
When viewers select
programming, other factors
such as the ease of
use of services and
terminals, how information
necessary for the selection
of programming is provided,
the ease of subscribing
to fee-based services,
and the public image
of the broadcasting
in question all have
an impact.
It
must also be considered
that there may be some
viewers who wish to
receive certain programming
but are unable to do
so because of problems
concerning the installation
of community reception
equipment in apartment
and condominium complexes.
2.
The Future Direction
of Satellite Broadcasting
(1)
The Direction of Satellite
Broadcasting Development
Key Points Concerning
Satellite Broadcasting
Development
Based on the discussions
in Section 1 above,
it must be kept in mind
that although improvements
in satellite broadcasting
services and the acquisition
of frequencies necessary
for an expansion of
services can reasonably
be expected, when considering
the issues of supply
of programming, viewer
preference for satellite
broadcasting, and the
scale of the advertising
market for satellite
broadcasting, the number
of firms that will be
able to provide satellite
broadcasting services
and the number of channels
will be limited.
It
must also be considered
that, with respect to
the provision of services,
if satellite broadcasting
is not able to differentiate
itself from other media,
then it will be forced
to compete with other
media.
The Necessity of Providing
Appealing Services
In light of the points
raised above, we can
conclude that the further
expansion and adoption
of satellite broadcasting
will require further
provision of appealing
services.
This
will require, fundamentally,
the provision of appealing
programming, but in
addition, the provision
of novel and high-quality
services through the
increased provision
of high-definition broadcasts,
implementation of collaborative
services with other
media, flexible use
of bandwidths according
to the programming,
implementation of server-type
broadcasting, and so
on.
In
addition, as a broadcast
media, satellite broadcasting
must also continue the
heavy emphasis on the
reliability and ease
of use that viewers
of conventional broadcasting
services enjoy.
(2)
The Role and Positioning
of Satellite Broadcasting
The Role Played by Satellite
Broadcasting
Japan boasts a world-leading
satellite broadcasting
penetration rate, and
considering the role
satellite broadcasting
plays in spreading digital
television and the competitive
edge of Japanese companies
with respect to digital
television, satellite
broadcasting has a large
role in the construction
of an information technology
(IT) society in Japan.
Thus, it is necessary
for satellite broadcasting
to develop as a broadcast
media in harmony with
terrestrial broadcasting
and cable television
even as it maintains
some degree of competition
with them.
The Positioning of
Satellite Broadcasting
The positioning of satellite
broadcasting within
all broadcast media
in Japan is as a media
with nationwide broadcasting
coverage and as quasi-backbone
broadcast media or specialized
multi-channel media
with nationwide coverage
at its core that acts
as a pioneer in the
digitization of broadcasting
as a whole. This positioning
is not expected to change
in the immediate future.
(3)
Positioning of Each
Satellite Broadcasting
Category
Direction in the Immediate
Future
With respect to the
different categories
of satellite broadcasting,
with the narrowing of
the technological differences
between broadcast satellites
(BS) and communications
satellites (CS), the
differences between
satellites and reception
antennas will likely
be eliminated.
Nonetheless,
there are currently
specific differences
between the two including
the shortage of frequencies,
the number of existing
viewers, and business
models for services.
During the period of
investigation of this
Study Group, i.e., the
next five to ten years,
BS broadcasting will
continue to develop
as quasi-backbone broadcast
media while CS broadcasting
will develop in the
direction of multi-channel
broadcasting.
Also,
from the viewer's perspective,
the practical differences
between these two categories
will be determined largely
by the types of services
that each offers.
Premised
on these concepts, the
Study Group's thinking
concerning the positioning
of each category of
satellite broadcasting
is discussed below.
a. BS digital broadcasting
Quasi-Backbone Broadcast
Media
BS digital broadcasts
will likely develop
as a quasi backbone
broadcast media, focusing
on comprehensive programming
broadcast in high-definition.
In the future, it is
possible that BS digital
broadcasts will spread
to a majority of households.
Also, by utilizing digital
technologies to provide
highly varied broadcasts,
the role of BS broadcasts
will be large as a forerunner
to the digitization
of terrestrial broadcasting.
As
a result, under the
dual system consisting
of NHK (public) and
private broadcasting,
NHK will be expected
to play a leading role.
Furthermore,
BS analog broadcasting
will likely shift to
BS digital broadcasting.
b. CS digital broadcasting
Specialized Multi-Channel
Broadcast Media
CS digital broadcasting
other than 110-degree
east longitude CS broadcasting
will continue to develop
as a specialized multi-channel
media, responding to
the diverse needs of
viewers by providing
highly varied programming.
Accordingly,
it is necessary to create
an environment in which
the smooth replacement
of programming and broadcasters
is possible and the
provision of new services
is easily implemented.
c. 110-degree east
longitude CS digital
broadcasting
Intermediate Characteristics
Between BS and CS
110-degree east longitude
CS digital broadcasts
utilize receivers in
common with BS digital
broadcasts, and considering
that in the future a
large number households
will have dual-use receivers
and that compared to
current BS digital broadcasts,
the number of useable
frequencies is higher
and a large number of
channels can be provided,
110-degree east longitude
CS broadcasting is expected
to develop as an intermediate
form of broadcasting
positioned between BS
broadcasting and CS
broadcasting.
Relationship with BS
Digital Broadcasting
Since 110-degree east
longitude CS digital
broadcasting share receivers
with BS digital broadcasting,
basically its expansion
is largely dependent
upon the expansion of
BS digital broadcasting
and it will serve to
provide added value
to BS digital broadcasting.
Consequently,
110-degree east longitude
CS digital broadcasting
requires a structure
that will enable it
to develop in collaboration
with BS digital broadcasting.
This
will require the provision
of services by 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasting in conjunction
with BS digital broadcasting.
In this case, however,
it will be necessary
to convey accurately
to viewers the unique
characteristics of the
two types of broadcasting.
With
the start of terrestrial
digital broadcasting
next year, it is expected
that receivers capable
of receiving all three
types of digital broadcasts
(terrestrial, 110-degree
east longitude CS, and
BS) will proliferate.
Expectations for Development
of Varied Services
Compared to BS digital
broadcasting, 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasting offers
more useable frequencies,
and there are high expectations
for the flexible development
of highly varied services.
Accordingly, it is necessary
to keep in mind the
creation of an environment
that will facilitate
such development.
d. Other Broadcasting
Considering the ease
of reception by mobile
and other terminals
of 2.6-GHz band satellite
digital audio broadcasting,
we expect that such
broadcasts will expand
in the future.
3.
Issues Affecting the
Future Expansion and
Development of Satellite
Broadcasting
The Study Group's Interim
Report (released on
July 19, 2002) raised
many of the issues affecting
the future expansion
and development of satellite
broadcasting. These
issues must continue
to be steadily addressed,
and some additional
issues affecting the
future expansion and
development of satellite
broadcasting that also
warrant attention are
discussed below.
(1)
Issues Affecting BS
Broadcasting
Terminating BS Analog
Broadcasts
The digitization of
broadcasting has many
benefits and will greatly
increase convenience
to viewers. Consequently,
in the future expansion
and development of "broadcasting,"
which uses valuable
frequencies, all broadcasting
will eventually be digitized.
We should assume that
at some point the current
analog broadcasting
used for BS broadcasts
will be terminated and
a shift will be made
to digital broadcasts.
The
Basic Broadcasting Plan
states the following with
respect to the analog
high-definition BS broadcast
channel (BS channel 9):
"Prior to the termination
of operation of the broadcast
satellite that went into
operation in 1997 (its
design service life is
until 2007), an appropriate
termination date will
be set based on the status
of the shift by viewers
of its broadcasts to digital
broadcasts and other factors
and with due regard for
a necessary transition
period." However,
the procedure for terminating
other channels has not
been set.
In
light of these circumstances,
the smooth transition
of BS broadcasting from
analog to digital will
require the conveyance
to the general public
of key information concerning
the timing of termination
of analog broadcasts to
enable individuals to
replace their television
receivers. The Study Group's
Interim Report stated
with respect to the optimal
procedure for terminating
analog broadcasts, "Taking
into consideration the
ideal for satellite broadcasting
overall in the future
and the wishes of viewers,
it is necessary to begin
investigations immediately
and, upon reaching conclusions,
to provide accurate information
to the public."Based
on the Interim Report,
the Study Group examined
appropriate means of terminating
BS analog broadcasts and
came to the following
conclusions.
BS
analog broadcasting has
spread to more than 15
million households, making
it one of the world's
most successful media.
This is the result of
the efforts of the national
government, broadcasters,
manufacturers, and other
parties and the support
of the viewing public.
We must keep in mind that
the termination of BS
analog broadcasting, like
the termination of terrestrial
analog broadcasting, means
undertaking a major project
that is virtually unprecedented.
When
setting the specific timing
for the termination of
BS analog broadcasts,
the following points must
be adequately considered
within the overall deliberations.
| · |
Giving due regard
to viewers of BS
analog broadcasts. |
| · |
Coordinating the
progress of the
digitization of
broadcasting as
a whole and contributing
to the expansion
of digital broadcasting |
| · |
The timing of
replacement purchases
of television receivers
in households. |
| · |
The timing of
the termination
of operation of
the satellite currently
used for analog
broadcasts (its
design service life
is until 2007). |
The
Study Group considered
all of these factors
and concluded unanimously
that it would be appropriate
to terminate the analog
high-definition channel
(BS channel 9) at the
time of the end of the
design service life
of the satellite used
for those analog broadcasts,
i.e., 2007. The Study
Group further concluded
that it would be appropriate
for other analog satellite
broadcasts-NHK BS-1
(BS channel 7), NHK
BS-2 (BS channel 11),
and WOWOW (BS channel
5)-to be terminated
in conjunction with
the termination of terrestrial
analog broadcasts by
2011.
In
accordance with these
conclusions, among the
BS analog broadcasts,
the three channels other
than the analog high-definition
channel will not be
terminated at the end
of the design service
life of the satellite
used for those analog
broadcasts in 2007,
and accordingly, to
ensure continued stable
broadcasts and to protect
the interests of viewers,
it will be necessary
to launch a new satellite
by 2007.
In
order to make a launch
by 2007 possible, it
is necessary to move
forward with investigations
on the new satellite
and within those investigations
to determine the optimal
systems to be adopted
and applications following
the termination of BS
analog broadcasts.
With
respect to the applications
of a new satellite,
formats that will allow
for coordination with
the termination in 2011
of terrestrial analog
broadcasts, which serve
as a backbone medium
and that will contribute
to the digitization
of broadcasting are
necessary, as is consideration
the effective use of
satellites
Consequently,
it is appropriate that
a new satellite be used
for digital broadcasting
following the termination
of analog broadcasting.
Specifically, a new
satellite may serve
as a successor to the
satellite currently
used for digital broadcasts
(BSAT-2a), which has
a design service life
to March 2011. Alternatively,
it would also be possible
to launch a new satellite
in 2007 to serve as
a main or spare digital
broadcast satellite,
with the satellite used
for analog broadcasts
diverted to digital
broadcast use.
Furthermore,
since analog high-definition
channel will end in
2007, in considering
the optimal format of
a new satellite, it
is also necessary to
determine the use of
the current analog high-definition
channel (BS channel
9) after 2007.
In
this view, since the
use of this channel
will be concurrent with
other analog broadcast
channels on the same
satellite, and since
there is a lack of adequate
capacity for data transmissions
even as calls are being
made for the implementation
of varied programming
in order to provide
highly appealing services,
use as a provisional
measure is possible
for the enhancement
of current BS digital
broadcasting services.
This will serve to enhance
the attractiveness of
BS digital broadcasting
services while promoting
the smooth transition
in the final stages
from BS analog broadcasting
to digital broadcasting
and thereby contribute
to its further spread.
The
most important factor
concerning the termination
of BS analog broadcasts
is the accurate and
certain conveyance to
consumers and viewers
of the timing of the
termination and the
prevention of unnecessary
confusion on the part
of consumers and viewers.
In order to carry this
out, it is necessary
for the national government
to adopt at the earliest
possible date a formal
policy setting the timing
of BS analog broadcast
termination based on
the reports of the Study
Group and to announce
the timing. It is also
necessary for the national
government and involved
parties to notify the
public adequately in
conjunction with notification
concerning the termination
of terrestrial analog
broadcasting.
A
major issue concerning
the termination of BS
analog broadcasting
is the smooth transition
from analog to digital
by viewers. In order
to ensure that this
transition is a smooth
one, it is necessary
to take effective measures
according to the circumstances
of the transition. The
most fundamental factors
are enhancing the appeal
of current digital broadcasts,
ensuring that viewers
understand the benefits
of digital broadcasting,
and promoting the transition
from analog to digital.
This
will require BS digital
broadcasters to improve
and expand programming
that utilizes fully
the benefits of digital
broadcasting including
high-definition programming
and interactive programming.
There is a strong need
for proactive implementation
of the measures described
in the Study Group's
Interim Report and in
the action plan for
promoting digital broadcasting
prepared by the round
-table conference on
future aspects of broadcasting
in the age of broadband
and a strong awareness
that such measures will
be essential for the
transition to digital
broadcasting is also
required.
It
is also necessary to
maintain and raise the
confidence of viewers
in broadcasting as a
media as measures are
taken by the entire
nation to convert from
analog to digital based
on the formal policy
adopted by the national
government concerning
the timing of BS analog
broadcasting termination
and this Study Group's
reports. From this perspective,
it is possible that
additional measures
will be necessary in
the future in order
to ensure a smooth transition
by viewers from analog
to digital, and accordingly,
it is essential that
investigations be made
to ensure that appropriate
responses are made.
Development of an Environment
to Promote Services
that Utilize the Unique
Characteristics of Digital
Broadcasting
The Study Group pointed
out in its Interim Report
the necessity of enhancing
further the appeal of
digital broadcasting
by utilizing to the
greatest extent possible
the unique characteristics
of digital broadcasting
and providing flexible
combinations of varied
services to ensure the
further expansion and
development of BS digital
broadcasting.
In response to the
Interim Report, the
MPHPT is already performing
work on revisions to
create a system that
will allow for flexible
use of transmission
capacities in response
to programming content
and other factors. To
follow up on this work,
it is necessary to create
an environment that
will enable the provision
of even more diverse
services.
(2)
Issues Affecting CS
Broadcasting
Need for Cooperation
between Involved Parties
In the CS digital broadcasting
field, a system that
divides that hardware
and software aspects
of broadcasting has
been in place to facilitate
participation in the
industry by the largest
possible number of parties.
Program-supplying broadcasters
and satellite broadcasters
on telecommunications
service (hereinafter
collectively referred
to as "program-supplying
broadcasters"),
platform operators,
and satellite communications
carriers (hereinafter
collectively referred
to as "facility-supplying
broadcasters and satellite
telecommunications carriers")
all play essential roles
and jointly comprise
the industry. Further
expansion and development
of CS digital broadcasting
will lead to benefits
for both viewers and
involved parties.
Accordingly, it will
be effective for industry
participants to engage
in cooperative activities
related to CS digital
broadcasting designed
to promote the expansion
and development of the
medium while maintaining
an appropriate degree
of competition between
businesses. At this
time, it is necessary
to create a forum where
involved parties can
create such cooperative
relationships.
Actions Required of
Platform Operators
In conjunction with
the increase in the
number of viewers of
CS digital broadcasts,
the presence of the
platform operation business
will increase as a business
that links efficiently
program-supplying broadcasters
and satellite communications
carriers with viewers,
and consequently, the
future direction of
platform operation business
will have a significant
influence on viewers
of CS digital broadcasts
and on program-supplying
broadcasters.
As a result, the
following are measures
required of platform
operators to ensure
the expansion and development
of CS digital broadcasting:
| (1) |
Facilitating the
provision of diverse
CS broadcasts through
implementation of
additional suitable
services to program-supplying
broadcasters;
|
| (2) |
Taking actions
to ensure that persons
who wish to view
CS digital broadcasts
understand fully
and accurately the
benefits and features
of such broadcasts;
and
|
| (3) |
Conducting operations
in a manner that
CS digital broadcast
viewers can enjoy
its benefits. |
In
order to promote these
types of activities,
guidelines with content
such as that indicated
in the Appendix can
be adopted and announced.
(3)
Issues Affecting 110-degree
East Longitude CS Digital
Broadcasting
Issues affecting 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasting other than
those discussed above
in the section on CS
digital broadcasting
include the following.
Provision of Easy to
Use Services to Viewers
There have been indications
that 110-degree east
longitude CS digital
broadcasts are, generally
speaking, a service
that viewers find difficult
to use and understand.
As a result, the expansion
and development of 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasts requires
that service providers
make such services as
a whole more convenient
and understandable to
viewers while maintaining
competition between
service providers.
Actions Taken in Conjunction
with BS Digital Broadcasting
The most significant
feature of 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasts is its ability
to share receivers with
BS digital broadcasting.
110-degree east longitude
CS digital broadcasts
also have the characteristic
of providing added value
to BS digital broadcasting.
It is necessary,
therefore, that BS digital
broadcasters, 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasters, platform
operators, receiver
manufacturers, and other
involved parties provide
information and conduct
promotional activities
jointly and in collaboration
with consumers who wish
to receive BS and 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasts, keeping
in mind the differences
between these two different
services. As a first
step, the involved parties
should engage in discussions
and exchanges of opinions.
Suitability of Application
of the Law Concerning
Broadcast on Telecommunications
Services
With respect to 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasts too, a system
that allows for full
use of the features
of digital broadcasts
and for flexible and
dynamic provision of
services is necessary.
From this perspective,
application of the Law
Concerning Broadcast
on Telecommunications
Services to 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasting should
be considered.
Under the Law Concerning
Broadcast on Telecommunications
Services, however, application
of the system is premised
on the existence of
conditions that make
it possible for telecommunications
operators to provide
telecommunications services
to persons who desire
to engage in broadcasting
using telecommunications
services.
There is debate on
the question of whether
such conditions currently
exist with respect to
110-degree east longitude
CS digital broadcasting,
but considering that
less than one year has
passed since the inception
of services, it is necessary
to continue investigating
the issue of application
of the Law Concerning
Broadcast on Telecommunications
Services to 110-degree
east longitude CS digital
broadcasting, taking
into consideration the
future conditions affecting
such broadcasting.
In addition to the
question of the application
of the Law Concerning
Broadcast on Telecommunications
Services, it is also
necessary to examine
the issue of methods
of facilitating the
provision of flexible
and dynamic services.
Left-Hand Circular
Polarization of 110-degree
East Longitude CS broadcasts
The 110-degree east
longitude communications
satellite (N-SAT-110)
is equipped with right-hand
circular polarization
transponders that are
currently used for east
longitude CS digital
broadcasts as well as
left-hand circular polarization
transponders. Left-hand
circular polarization
is currently used only
for communications purposes,
but there is debate
on its use for broadcasting
too.
Considering that
the use of left-hand
circular polarization
for broadcasting will
require development
of the reception environment
in apartment and condominium
complexes, however,
a cautious response
is called for, and therefore,
further investigation
is necessary in the
future while monitoring
the status of resolution
of these issues.
(4)
Issues from the Perspective
of the Viewing Public
It goes without saying
that the issues raised
in section (1) through
(3) above have a close
relationship to the
viewers of each of these
broadcast types, but
additional significant
issues from the perspective
of the viewing public
are discussed below.
Thorough Provision
of Information Concerning
the Termination of BS
Analog Broadcasting
As discussed in Section
(1) above, the Study
Group believes it appropriate
to terminate BS analog
broadcasting by 2011
in conjunction with
the termination of terrestrial
analog broadcasting.
Thus, it will be necessary
to use both terrestrial
and satellite broadcasting
to inform the viewing
public that they will
need to replace their
analog television receivers
with digital receivers
by 2011.
In order to carry
this out, the national
government and other
parties involved in
BS broadcasting must
provide adequate information
to the public concerning
the termination of both
BS analog broadcasting
and terrestrial analog
broadcasting.
Specifically, broadcasters
can provide thorough
and effective information
through their respective
media while receiver
manufacturers can provide
information to consumers
seeking to purchase
receivers by including
information in catalogs
and affixing labels
to products.
It is also important
that the national government,
broadcasters, and receiver
manufacturers provide
appropriate information
concerning the termination
of analog broadcasting
in response to inquiries
from the public and
that consumers who wish
to purchase receivers
be provided accurate
information in retail
stores. In order to
carry this out, broadcasters
and receiver manufacturers
must work together and
provide information
to such retail stores.
Improvement of Reception
Environments in Apartment
and Condominium Complexes
The Study Group pointed
out in its Interim Report
the need to improve
the reception environment
for satellite broadcasts
in apartment and condominium
complexes, and in many
instances, residents
of such complexes do
not know whether satellite
broadcasts can be received
in their individual
units. To promote the
efficient expansion
of satellite broadcasting,
therefore, broadcasters
must make it possible
for potential viewers
to understand their
current reception conditions.
In addition, there
are many instances in
apartment and condominium
complexes where community
reception facilities
are inadequate and it
is difficult for individual
households to receive
broadcasts independently.
In response to this
situation, the promotion
of wireless community
reception facilities
with favorable installation
sites that will have
little detrimental impact
on the landscape will
be effective, and appropriate
measures should be taken
immediately.
Provision of Services
Agreeable to a Wide
Range of Viewers
There are strong expectations
that satellite broadcasting
will be able to provide
even more services that
are agreeable to a wide
range of viewers including
the elderly. Thus, it
is necessary for broadcasters
to work to improve services
with this notion in
mind.
Conclusions
- The Roles of The Public
and Private Sectors
in the Expansion and
Development of Satellite
Broadcasting
In its Interim Report
released in July of
this year and this Final
Report, the Study Group
has pointed out and
discussed a number of
issues affecting the
expansion and development
of satellite broadcasting.
In this final section,
we discuss the roles
of the public and private
sectors in addressing
those issues.
The core roles of
the public sector in
promoting the expansion
and development of satellite
broadcasting are promoting
the digitization of
broadcasting, indicating
the proper direction
for the termination
of analog broadcasts,
and developing an environment
that allows for use
by viewers with a sense
of security and for
the efficient provision
of services. Central
to the development of
such an environment
will be the creation
and operation of systems
that respond appropriately
to advances in technology
and other factors. Other
roles include conducting
cutting-edge research
and development and
resolving disputes should
they arise. In addition,
the public sector will
also play a significant
role in the future in
informing the viewing
public, in cooperation
with the private sector,
about issues that have
a major impact on the
public such as the termination
of analog broadcasts.
The fundamental role
of the private sector
will be the provision
of specific broadcasting
services that make ownership
of broadcast receivers
an attractive prospect
to the public. The Study
Group has repeatedly
pointed out, with respect
to the provision of
broadcast services,
the importance of providing
appealing programming
and high-quality, diverse
services, and with respect
to the provision of
broadcast receivers,
the importance of providing
convenient and easy
to use receivers at
prices acceptable to
viewers. Also, as the
responsibility to provide
information and explanations
to viewers increases,
the importance of conveying
to viewers the specific
content of services
and products in easy
to understand formats
will also take on greater
importance. Concerning
the termination of analog
broadcasting, the private
sector must cooperate
with the public sector
to convey information
to viewers and consumers
receiving services and
products.
The Study Group has
strong expectations
that these actions will
be undertaken proactively
by both the private
and public sectors and
that satellite broadcasting
will continue to expand
and develop in the future.
Appendix
- Items that Can Serve
as the Content of Guidelines
on the Operations of
Platform Operators in
Satellite Broadcasting
Items to Ensure the
Efficient Implementation
of Satellite Broadcasting
| 1.
|
Clarification
and definition of
matters concerning
the content of services
provided by platform
operators to program-supplying
broadcasters and
broadcasters that
use satellite services
(hereinafter collectively
referred to as "Program-supplying
broadcasters")
and the conditions
and responsibilities
related to the provision
of such services. |
Examples
| · |
The content of
each service provided
and the conditions
of provision |
| · |
Procedures leading
up to the suspension
or termination of
services and methods
of securing payment
of fees |
| · |
The roles of platform
operators in satellite
broadcasting advertising,
publicity, and sales
promotion |
| · |
The scope of responsibility
of platform operators |
| 2.
|
Ensuring that
program-supplying
broadcasters are
not subject to the
imposition of inappropriate
obligations and
inappropriate discriminatory
treatment. |
Examples
| · |
Content and procedures
when special burdens
are imposed on or
special actions
are required of
program-supplying
broadcasters |
| · |
Participation
by platform operators
and their procedures
in the creation,
modification, and
termination of programming
packages for setting
fees by program-supplying
broadcasters |
| 3.
|
Ensuring appropriate
resolutions in cases
of conflicts in
the interests of
platform operators
and program-supplying
broadcasters |
Examples
| · |
Procedures for
the parties to reach
resolutions |
| · |
Methods and procedures
for reaching resolutions
when it would be
difficult for the
parties to do so |
Items to Ensure Benefits
to Viewers (Including
Prospective Viewers)
of Satellite Broadcasting
1. Ensuring fairness
in marketing activities
to viewers
Example
| · |
Content of matters
that must be observed
when conducting
marketing activities
to viewers and the
means of observing
them |
2. Clear indication
to viewers of the fees
for fee-based services,
conditions for the provision
of such services, and
modification of those
conditions
Examples
| · |
Means of indicating
clearly conditions
for the provision
of fee-based services |
| · |
Means of indicating
clearly modification
of the conditions
for the provision
of fee-based services |
3. Good-faith receipt
of complaints and requests
from viewers and appropriate
responses
Examples
| · |
The role of platform
operators in responding
to complaints and
requests from viewers |
| · |
Adoption and public
announcement of
procedures related
to responses to
complaints and requests
from viewers |
4. Appropriate handling
and protection of viewer
personal information
Examples
| · |
Objectives, scope,
and procedures concerning
the use or provision
of personal information
for purposes other
than the provision
of fee-based broadcasting
services |
| · |
Measures for the
protection of personal
information
|
| · |
Procedures for
participation by
viewers in personal
information |