MUMBAI: The increasing popularity of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television and the growing demand for High Definition (HD) broadcast content across Asia-Pacific are driving the demand for satellite capacity in the region.

With the number of satellite TV channels offered by DTH platforms in Southeast Asia projected to reach 1,600 by 2016, global satellite operator SES with a fleet of 50 geostationary satellites is ramping up investment activities in Asia-Pacific to meet the increasing demand for satellite capacity.

SES‘ current committed investment in Asia includes SES-8, which is due to launch in the first quarter of 2013. The satellite will deliver vital expansion capacity to thriving Asian video neighbourhoods in South Asia and Indochina. SES-8 will be the first geostationary satellite launched by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket.

Additionally, SES is looking for further growth opportunities and sees the potential to invest in one to two additional satellites to deliver increased satellite capacity and coverage in Asia-Pacific beyond 2014.

The new satellites will help fuel the growth in the pay TV markets and the maritime industry in the region.

SES senior VP, Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East Deepak Mathur said, "SES has experienced considerable growth in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa in the past year, which contributed 24 per cent of total revenue in 2011. By making these substantial investments to meet demand for satellite capacity in Asia-Pacific, we hope to grow with our customers and continue to be the partner of choice for broadcasters, governments, businesses and communities here".