Pacific Convergence Corp, the satellite-delivered Internet service joint venture between Intel Corp and Pacific Century Group, appears to be close to announcing how it plans to begin transmitting its broadband content services this year.
It also says its subscription content services will be complemented by a free Web portal similar to Ya hoo! that will be accessible by all Internet users, including non-subscribers, according to company executives.
'We'll be providing connectivity as well as being a content provider,' Pacific Century senior adviser Michael Johnson said.
Pacific Convergence broadband services would grant T1 (1.5 megabits per second) download speeds to subscribers' throughout Asia and in parts of Europe.
Mr Johnson said that by use of satellites and servers, the venture would offer faster Internet access than comparable broadband services, such as Cable & Wireless HKT's UltraNetvigator.
Industry sources said Pacific Convergence would lease six C-band transponders on the recently launched AsiaSat 3S satellite, reportedly for US$13 million a year, to beam down its content. Mr Johnson declined to comment.