Malaysia’s ASTRO reported residential customers increased by 65,400 to 2.081 million in the first quarter of 2007, while churn fell to 7.8% from 8.8% a year ago, and ARPU remained at RM77 (US$22.14). Shareholders approved the US$166 million investment for a 20% stake in the joint venture Sun Direct TV, which will launch a digital DTH service in India in the latter part of 2007. In Indonesia, ASTRO is awaiting approval for a new broadcast license for its PT Direct Vision pay TV joint venture, as required by new broadcast regulations. PDTV, which launched in February 2006, is permitted to continue operating under existing licenses and approvals. The company said: “The Indonesian and Indian ventures are expected to be earnings dilutive for the first five to six years of operations which is typical of similar start-ups, and indeed may result in an overall loss to the group depending on the timing of the launch of the Indian venture. However, these investments are anticipated to create long term shareholder value by diversifying and scaling our businesses.”