CASBAA adds ten new convergence members

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is expanding its membership list to include New Economy corporations and telcos as well as traditional pay-TV players.

In early July, Hong Kong-listed Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW) joined CASBAA as a Patron Member, the highest level of membership. Patron Membership grants a company an automatic seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors. On July 1, PCCW (www.pcg-group.com) launched a regional Broadband service, Network of the World, distributed via cable and satellite to TVs as well as PCs.

Also new to the Association is Hong Kong-listed cellular phone system operator Sunday Communications, which is examining opportunities for a 3G Broadband license in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, financial and business information service Bloomberg LP (www.bloomberg.com/asia) has upgraded its membership from Associate status to Patron level and will also take a seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors.

Other new CASBAA members include:

• Sony Pictures Entertainment's regional pay-TV channel AXN Action TV which has joined CASBAA as a corporate member (www.axn-asia.com)
  
  
• UK-based satellite communications consultancy Communications Systems Ltd. (Comsys) (www.comsys.co.uk)
  
  
• Bombay-based media investor UTV's Vijay TV, which recently launched its Sharkstream broadband service (www.utvnet.com)
  
  
• Hong Kong-based Internet content provider WebArts TV.com (www.asianartnews.com)
  
  
• Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Vision, a group that provides satellite up linking services as well as video production services (www.apvweb.com)
  
  
• Asia Capacity Exchange, a consortium that provides online bandwidth exchange services (www.ace-asia.com).
  
  
• CSM Sofres, a leading market research group specialising broadcast media with a special interest in China among other Asian markets (www.csm.com.cn)
  
  
• X [Ventures], led by Bangkok-based entrepreneur Jeff Blatt, provides consulting and representation services for clients in the satellite, broadcasting, Internet, multimedia, high technology and venture capital industries (www.xventures.com)
  

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