Sony in line for Japanese cable market
Sony has revealed plans to build a broadband network.
The company, better-known for its film, music and computer games operations, now intends to become a cable operator.
The consumer electronics group is planning its first move towards building a broadband cable network in Japan.
After raising its stake in Tokyu Cable to 15 % over the past year, it aims to solidify control over the Tokyo-based operator's management, most likely by dispatching senior executives.
Sony's broadband strategy in Japan is to build its presence through acquisitions of, or alliances with, smaller operators while cultivating operational alliances with satellite TV broadcasters, power companies and other infrastructure providers.
Entertainment-related content will come from Sony Pictures, Sony Music and AII, which employs 50 people exclusively to dream up new ideas for broadband.
Ideally, consumers will access this content from the PlayStation2 console or its Vaio line of personal computers.
Sony's broadband strategy places it above rivals such as Toshiba and Matsushita which have not been able to generate synergies between their hardware and contents businesses.
