Consistent with the global recognition that advanced communications and broadcasting are essential for economic and social developmentt, Australia, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries in the Asia-Pacific have national strategies for ensuring access to their citizens. The motivations for national strategies supporting competitive satellite communications development are intrinsically embedded in the broader social context of the countries involved. Understanding the factors shaping competition in this sector provides a valuable insight into obstacles impeding regional collaboration and enhances our ability to address them effectively not only in the spae-based telecommunications sector but in other commercially viable areas as well. This investigation highlights the factors which shape these impediments to cooperation. It looks at the current participants, their level of involvement and satellite communications policies. The analysis indicates that access to and control over information are critical issues which each country deals with differently, depending on their social context. The primary factors shaping national strategy are elucidated. Furthermore, these factors coupled with a growing adherence to the concept of "national competitiveness" are the primary obstacles to cooperation in the satellite communications sector.
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