Nippon Television Network Corp. and three other concerns are considering jointly entering communications satellite digital broadcasting services due to start next year, company officials said Friday.
NTV, Japan Satellite Broadcasting Inc., Mitsubishi Corp. and the NTT Corp. group plan to set up a new company to offer advanced digital broadcasting services via communications satellite, they said.
The new company plans to sign contracts with communications satellite operators to air their programs, handle subscriber contracts and settle accounts.
These operations are currently handled only by Sky Perfect Communications Inc., which operates Sky PerfecTV and is expected to provide advanced digital satellite broadcasting services.
NTV and the three others are considering inviting other commercial broadcasting companies and electrical machinery makers to join their alliance to compete with Sky Perfect, the officials said.
From the NTT group, NTT DoCoMo Inc. and NTT Communications Corp. are likely to take part in the alliance, they said.
Advanced digital broadcasting services will center on online shopping and other interactive services.
NTV will be in charge of overall broadcasting business for the alliance and the NTT group will take charge of customer management, the officials said.