Broadbandindia Magazine » World News

Robert Gilby is Disney MD South East Asia

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:57:25 +0000

Disney has named Robert Gilby as its MD for South East Asia, reporting toWalt Disney International chairman Andy Bird. In this newly created role, Gilby will be responsible for driving the company’s strategy, coordinating and leading all Disney business divisions, overseeing Disney global franchises, expanding existing businesses and seeking out new business opportunities across the region with a focus on Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Gilby will continue in his current role of Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific MD reporting to Disney Media Networks president, global distribution Ben Pyne.

Indonesia may shut down BlackBerry service

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:56:34 +0000

The Indonesian Government has said that it may shut down the BlackBerry’s popular service early 2012 because the company had not built a data center in Indonesia, as demanded by communications minister Titular Sembiring. Indonesia had earlier demanded that the Canadian company open customer care centers in Indonesia and block access to pornographic content, requests with which RIM complied.

However RIM Managing Director for Asia Gregory Wade told the Jakarta Globe said, “We hope that we can work our way through this and everyone can get what they want”. In a statement, the company said, “RIM has been working closely with government bodies in Indonesia, but has not been advised of any specific requirements extending beyond what it has already satisfied.”

Airtel inks pact with Samsung for Africa

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:55:57 +0000

Airtel Africa has entered into a partnership with Samsung to get exclusive distribution rights for select Samsung products for the initial six months after they are launched. “The partnership will leverage both Airtel’s and Samsung’s strong brand equity, well-developed distribution infrastructure and footprint across the continent to achieve common goals and drive mobile penetration in Africa.

Both Airtel and Samsung will work together to provide market-specific products based on trends and consumer preferences, ensuring Airtel customers have access to products that are tailor made to their individual needs,” said a press release. Samsung will collaborate with Airtel on the wide range of products that include smartphones, mass market handsets, tablets, dongles and routers.

Huawei to restrict operations in Iran

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:54:22 +0000

China telco major Huawei has decided to restrict its business development in Iran due to the increasingly complex situation. It will no longer seek new customers and limiting its business activities with existing customers. For communications networks that have been delivered or are under delivery to customers, the company will continue to provide necessary services to ensure communications for Iran’s citizens, “Huawei is committed to providing telecommunications functions that are in line with our vision “to enrich life through communication”, it said in a statement.

Tony Lit is Sony Entertainment European biz head

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:53:54 +0000

Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) has appointed Tony Lit as VP business head for Europe. He will be overseeing the UK and European operations for its three flagship channels, Set Asia, Max and Sab. Lit will be reporting to SEN EVP and Head of international business Neeraj Arora. He will be responsible for the revenue streams in the territory.

Asiasat, Thaicom sign agreement

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:53:31 +0000

Asiasat and Thaicom have announced the signing of a cooperation agreement. Under the agreement, the two companies will place an interim satellite at the 120 degrees East orbital slot, while a new satellite contracted with Space Systems/Loral will be launched in early 2014. Asiasat and Thaicom will provide services on their portions of the new satellite under the name AsiaSat 6 and Thaicom 7 respectively.

Trans-gender reality show on Bangladeshi channel

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:52:53 +0000

A Bangladeshi TV channel is launching the country’s first reality show for transgenders in an effort to break down widespread prejudice against the country’s “hijra” (eunuch) community. ‘Amra Tomadery’ (We are for you) on the privately-owned ATN Bangla is now accepting applications to be one of around 40 contestants who will showcase their dancing and acting skills to win audience votes.

AT&T switches target to DISH ?

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:51:20 +0000

US giant telco AT&T, stymied in its $39 billion bid to buy T-Mobile, may now mount a bid to buy US satellite DTH broadcaster Dish Network, founded by Charlie Ergen. Analysts at investment bank Stifel Nicolaus suggested in a note to clients that Dish Network, the USA’s secondlargest satellite broadcaster, is now firmly in AT&T sights given that it is “desperate for spectrum” as a result of the failed T-Mobile bid. These days Charlie Ergen is much more that a straightforward DTH broadcaster.

China confirms 3DTV launch

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:50:56 +0000

Chinese government officials have confirmed a January 1 2012 launch date for the country’s first 3DTV channel. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), China’s broadcasting regulator, is working on the project with the country’s state broadcaster, China Central Television, and with regional TV stations from Beijing, Shanghai and three other areas.

“The launch of the 3DTV trial channel will be a new milestone in the history of the development of broadcasting and television in China, symbolizing that China’s broadcasting and television is closely following global development trends,” SARFT said in a statement. The new channel will also “bring new audio-visual enjoyment to the people,”.

Casbaa opposes new protocol on space assets

BroadbandIndia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:48:17 +0000

The Cable and Satellite Broadcasters Association of Asia (Casbaa) has expressed urgent global concern over proposed new international legislation would create an unprecedented and unnecessary legal framework for financing satellite and space programmes. The Space Assets Protocol, sponsored by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) based in Italy, ‘risks complicating and damaging the existing and well functioning processes. The industry would be confronted with the prospect of obligations and costs from the new legislation that purports to remedy a problem that simply does not exist’ Casbaa said.