Next generation high throughput satellites (HTS) and Ka-Band systems in production and coming into service are bringing massive increases in bandwidth to orbit.  Over twenty new HTS and Ka-band satellites are in construction, each carrying from 10 to 100 times the capacity of today’s conventional C–  and Ku-Band  systems.These next-gen and Ka-Band systems could dramatically alter the industry’s landscape. How will they impact satellite markets in the next two years, and what industry players stand to gain from their success?   

Ka-Band is one of the most popular topics at industry conferences, and in trade newsletters and magazines.  What is all the fuss about?  Is Ka really the magic bullet for the satellite industry or are we in danger of once again drinking our own bath water and letting our enthusiasm for new technology override our common sense? 

Broadband is the hot topic around the world. Demand for spectrum never abates. Profound statements indeed! Over the years, satellite systems have responded to the increasing demand for more-and-more spectrum, at lower-and-lower cost, in order to facilitate expanded broadband access, by developing ever more efficient, powerful, and cost-effective space and ground segments.

The World Teleport Association has published its annual Inside the Top Operators research report. The eagerly awaited report draws from data submitted to WTA by teleport operating companies around the world for the association’s 2011 Top Operator rankings, and offers a useful “snapshot” of the entire sector from independent operators large and small delivering service around the world.

Global online TV and video revenues will reach $28.72 billion in 2017, a massive increase from the $3.79 billion recorded in 2010 and the $11.14 billion expected in 2012, according to a new report from Digital TV Research.

The Online TV and Video Forecasts report (which covers fixed broadband developments – not smartphones or tablets) explains that the over-the-top TV sector is on the brink of a huge take-off as the key players expand globally, companies consolidate and as new partnerships are announced on a daily basis.

The worldwide pay-TV market is growing on all major TV platforms worldwide, including cable, satellite, and IPTV. Pay-TV service revenue is expected to reach $236 billion by the end of 2012, up from $223 billion in 2011, according to ABI Research’s pay-TV Market Data, which looks at average revenue per user (ARPU) and revenues worldwide. ABI Research expects the pay-TV market to continue to grow 19% over the next five years, generating $281 billion in 2017.

the Broadband World Forum, took the broadband industry into a new era of connectivity and services, as thousands of visitors filled Amsterdam’s RAI Exhibition Centre last week. The new venue and fresh new programme reflected the evolving nature of the industry, specifically focussing on the power of broadband to transform lives and the possibilities and opportunities with innovation. It debates the challenges for broadband networks, the policy that governs them and the applications and services that drive demand.

According to the results of Informa Telecoms & Media’s annual industry survey, innovation is a key priority for global telecoms and media players in 2013. Over 500 senior executives from across both these sectors were asked how their businesses and markets would perform in 2013 and the role innovation would play in driving future revenue growth.

Respondents were generally positive about the state of the market and revenue prospects for 2013, with almost 40% saying there were strong opportunities for both vendors and operators in their home markets.

ITU Telecom World 2012 brought together industry representatives and government leaders at the highest level to engage in five days of critical dialogue on networking, knowledge-sharing and the challenges defining the information and communication technology (ICT) sector as well as the opportunities arising from it.

According to Euroconsult’s latest research report Satellite-Based Earth Observation: Market Prospects to 2021, the market for commercial Earth observation (EO) data slowed significantly in 2011 with growth of 6% to $1.4 billion following five years of strong growth of over 20% from 2006 to 2010. The primary factor for this decrease in percentage was the stabilization in U.S. defense data procurement following the awards of the Enhanced View contracts by the NGA to DigitalGlobe and GeoEye.