(Bangkok Post via NewsEdge) Shin Broadband internet, the distributor of the DTV Ku-band satellite television dishes, has high hopes that its low-cost household product will increase revenue by five-fold to 1 billion baht ($33.6 million) this year.
The subsidiary of Shin Satellite is also on the verge of selling its DTV products elsewhere in Southeast Asia this year through joint ventures with local companies.
Tanadit Charoenchan, general manager of Shin Broadband internet, said the company expects to sell up to one million dishes, fuelled by strong demand from households in the provinces.
As of December 31, Shin Broadband internet had sold 100,000 dishes in the first six months of its operations. Of the total, 80% came from the provinces with the balance coming from Bangkok and metropolitan areas.
Tanadit said the sales volume was well beyond expectations from early projection of no more than 30,000 units during the period.
He attributed the high figures to a strong network of distribution outlets, cheap product prices, no monthly fees and high picture quality.
A Ku-band satellite TV dish system comes with a satellite receiver (set-top box) and a remote control, as well as a dish pointing at only one satellite.
Tanadit said the company planned to focus more on the Bangkok market this year, while targeting 20 million Thai households in total.
Shin Broadband internet plans to add free TV channels this year in order to attract more users.
Tanadit said the DTV dish business was primarily set up to create a new revenue stream from transponder rental fees and add value to Shin Satellite's Ku-band satellite TV dishes.
© 2008 Bangkok Post
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