By Kim Tae-gyu
Staff Reporter

For the first time anywhere in the world, Korea will launch satellite digital media broadcasting (DMB) services, enabling people to enjoy broadcasting on the move through handheld terminals such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) or automotive devices.

This was made possible as the National Assembly passed the revised broadcasting law on Tuesday, providing a legal basis for the May introduction of the long-awaited services.

By 2010, satellite DMB is expected to attract as many as 8 million customers with 1.2 trillion won in annual sales, according to TU Media, which has prepared for the convergence services.

It is anticipated that the rollout of the services will change consumer patterns markedly. People will enjoy seamless broadcasting with CD-quality sound anywhere at anytime. Also mobile reception at up to 150 kilometers per hour will be possible through in-car terminals.

TU Media will run a total of 39 channels featuring the retransmission of terrestrial broadcasts or cable TV programs as well as music and news clips.

TU Media plans to provide all of the services above for 12,000~14,000 won in monthly fees in addition to 20,000 won in subscription fees.

Following a pilot operation in May, the services will be available on a full-scale basis two months later.

voc200@koreatimes.co.kr