Asia's information transfer technology needs Asia comprises one of the most diverse set of cultures, economies, political systems and geographic variety on earth. The complex set of information transfer needs that go along with this are astounding. The relatively free market and open political systems of the Philippines and Japan contrast dramatically with the culturally and politically authoritarian systems of Malaysia, Indonesia, and North Korea. Thus, the need for control, segmentation, and distribution of information contents and formats are astounding. Satellite technology, which allows the distribution of multiple types of information from a single instrument without the need of extensive physical terrestrial development, is becoming a critical factor in meeting the myriad of information needs in Asia.
Satellites allow for the transformation of information in many forms.
Data, voice and televised pictures are three examples . Asian has extensive needs in all three of these categories. The explosion of development in the region has created intense needs for the transfer of voice and data information, while the emergence of demands for televised forms of information has resulted in a huge demand for visual broadcasting. Asian markets, both under totalitarian and democratic regimes, prefer localized programming for broadcasting. Many also prefer the ability for governmental control on the contents or choices of content broadcasted.