Mobile media satellite expected to initially offer about six television and 30 radio channels by third-party content providers initially in July.

Mobile media satellite expected to initially offer about six television and 30 radio channels by third-party content providers initially in July.

SK Telecom and Mobile Broadcasting resulted from a joint venture between Toyota, Toshiba, and others to launch the world's first satellite dedicated to broadcasting digital television and radio program to mobile terminals.

The satellite is owned by Mobile Broadcasting and TU Media, and SK business. Its launch, at a cost of $231m, will allow the two companies to start delivering more than 100 television and radio programs to mobile devices at much faster speeds than previously possible.

The satellite channels are expected to be offered through existing mobile phone carriers and the project has received support of more than 200 companies.

While Japanese mobile networks already transmit television and radio channels, digital satellite broadcasts will enable users, using special handsets, to receive programs to mobile phones and automobiles at three times the speed of current broadcasts.

Service is expected to be available in July, offering about six television and 30 radio channels by third-party content providers initially. SK Telecom, however, said it was uncertain when it would be able to launch in its home market due to a delay in the revision of South Korea's broadcasting law.

Mobile Broadcasting is expected to charge monthly fees of $9 to $18 for the service and expects to sign up to 1.5m subscribers by the end of 2006.