Tokyo � April 24, 1997 -- Japan is set to embark on a digital satellite broadcasting revolution, following recent efforts by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT). New initiatives envisage up to 10 new satellites being developed that would be capable of supporting an all-digital network and bandwidth in excess of 1Gigabit per second.

1996 saw the fruition of an intensive series of studies launched by the Japanese Government and the MPT which began in August 1994 with the establishment of the Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society Promotion Headquarters sponsored by then Prime Minister Tomoichi Murayama.

In tandem, a set of three report were released by the Space Communications Development Committee of the MPT Telecommunications Technology Council (TTC) chaired by Dr. Junichi Nishizawa of Tohoku University. These reports laid down directions and provisional timetables, noting that 'Japan must systematically implement advanced R&D activities on a continuous basis from a long term perspective', the reports concluded that the Government should substantially expand its R&D budget.

The proposed timetable suggests that by 2001 Japan must launch a satellite system that could support a handy phone type service using pocket-size terminals that can reach anywhere in the county. In addition, hi-fi audio class satellite broadcasting for portable receivers was also mentioned as a priority. Such technology should include the construction of an antenna of 10m and the creation of a telephone exchange in space.

By 2002 a super high-speed communications technology - equivalent to 20,000 telephone circuits - with disaster survival capability should be developed along with a test satellite for a global next generation mobile satellite communications system.

Meanwhile the 'Panel on Audiences and Broadcasting in the Multi-channel Era' set up in September 1995 and chaired by Mr. Akito Arima, President of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, envisages a range of guidelines including; protection of children and youth, independence of broadcasters, evaluation of broadcasting quality by non-industry people, diversity of opinion and a diversification of program production.

According to Fusaki Matsui Director of MPT�s Space Communications Policy Division, satellite broadcasting is a vital building block for the creation of a Global Information Infrastructure which MPT wants completed by 2010, in which every household will be linked into a terrestrial fiber optic network.

"Creating the next level of satellite technology is essential," commented Matsui. Towards this the MPT has suggested the launching of five communications satellites over the next 10 years.

These would be technology experiment satellites including; a gigabit-per-second communications satellite, a global multimedia mobile communications satellite, an inter-satellite optical communications satellite, and a broadband broadcasting satellite.

Of these, MPT is developing the Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMETS) for broadband HDTV and mobile satellite communications as is due to be launched in August 1997. The MPT is currently setting up a series of experiments with U.S. and European countries with a 154 Megabit broadband ISDN link to be developed for general use, and next year with the U.S. for a 1.2 Gigabit system.

The development of next-generation R&D satellites for the development of mobile communications technology and digital voice technology is to be achieved through the launch of the Engineering Test Satellite 8 (ETS-8).

Meanwhile the promotion of International Cooperation in the field of Space is being developed through the Partners Project (Pan-Pacific Regional Telecommunications Network Experiments and Research by Satellite) using ETS-5, with the objective of translating satellite communications technology to other Asian countries, including distance-education and distance-medicine experiments.

MPT is conscious of stimulating development of various satellite-based communications networks and the formulation of policies to regulate their use. Overseeing these projects is the Communications Research Laboratory in Kogane (in western Tokyo) with 420 staff.

The MPT has also recommended that 36 medical, educational, entertainment, and associated test applications be developed to promote the development of the Global Information Infrastructure and an ISDB (integrated services digital broadcasting) system.

Moreover, Japan�s broadcasting industry is on the edge of explosive change, according to Mr. Yoshiyuki Kiroko Special Assistant to the Director, MPT�s Broadcasting Policy Division. Kiroko added that the MPT is eager that the follow on effects of the various test program will lead to the creation of a new service industry as applications multiply. In this way the MPT sees itself as promoting a kind of economic stimulus package.

In addition, the Commission for Advancement of Broadcasting is predicting that by 2010, all households will have fiber-optic cables and that Satellite Broadcasting will provide at least 80% of households with digital, multichannel (approximately 4-500 channels) broadcasting, along with direct broadcasting.

Between 1996 and 2010, cable and satellite broadcasting will grow by a factor of six or seven, as opposed to terrestrial broadcasting, which will only grow by a factor of 1.6, according to the Commission's figures.

The ideal scenario will be one of cohabitation and competition, with viewers able to enjoy various broadcasting systems with one receiver. Under this scenario the MPT hopes to see a significant increase in the number of specialized and information-orientated programs, all part of what the MPT calls the 'Info-Communications Infrastructure.'

At the same time MPT has decided to focus on digital-based broadcast satellite systems as opposes to the current analog-format systems developed by the Japan Broadcasting Corp (NHK) over the past thirty years. The Ministry plans to launch two BS-4 satellites, however, the first, which begins operations in 1997, will support NHK�s analog-based HDTV format Hi-Vision.

Analysts have long predicated that the decision on the second satellite, due for launch in 2000, would come down in favor of digital and trigger a change in the ministry's policy regarding Hi-Vision. The delay in making a final choice occurred because the MPT fears a backlash by NHK and consumer electronics firms that have invested billions in building infrastructure to support the Hi-Vision format.

However, senior officials at Japan�s electronics makers readily admit that digital is the way to go and that they are ready to make low-cost digital HDTV systems with only minor modifications to existing production lines.

MPT�s Kiroko seems to genuinely believe in free competition, and that NHK will meet the challenges posed by PerfecTV and DirecTV. NHK's proposed 2001 launch of a digital-based broadcasting satellite BS-5, is a good sign that NHK is shaping up to new realities, said Kiroko.