International Launch Services (ILS) successfully launched the TURKSAT-4A satellite into orbit today on an ILS Proton vehicle. The satellite was built by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for TURKSAT Satellite Communication, Cable TV and Operation Inc. Co. (TURKSAT A.S.). This was the first ILS Proton launch for both the satellite operator and the manufacturer; it was also the first Proton launch of the year.

Eutelsat anounced financial results for half year ending December 31, 2013, reporting revenue growth of 2.2%, and 3.1% at constant currency and excluding non-recurring revenues in line with full-year objectives. EBITDA was  €501 million (approximately US$ 676.83 million). The EBITDA margin was 77.4%.

Group share of net income of €147 million with a net margin at 22.8%. Eutelsat said that they have a backlog of €5.3 billion representing more than four years of revenues. 

Orbital Sciences Corporation  today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2013 financial results.  Fourth quarter 2013 revenues were US$ 375.4 million, a new quarterly record for the company, compared to US$ 354.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2012.  Fourth quarter 2013 operating income was US$ 30.5 million, or 8.1% operating margin, compared to US$ 31.3 million, or 8.8% operating margin, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

According to Euroconsult's newly released research report entitled "Profiles of Government Space Programs," global budgets for space programs dropped to US$ 72.1 billion in 2013 following peak spending at US$ 72.9 billion in 2012. This is the first time since 1995 that public space programs worldwide have entered a downward trend, a direct result of the cyclical nature of countries' investment in space-based infrastructures combined with governments' belt-tightening efforts during tough economic times.   

In the fourth quarter of 2013, Telenor Group reported revenues of NOK 28 billion (US$ 4.28 billion), representing an organic revenue growth of 1%. EBITDA before other items was NOK 8.99 billion, the EBITDA margin was 32.6%, and operating cash flow was NOK 4.42 billion (US$ 720 million).

ViaSat Inc.announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014. Revenues increased 16% to US$ 332.6 million compared to the same period last year, and Adjusted EBITDA hit record levels, growing 17% year-over-year to US$ 56.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Non-GAAP diluted net income attributable to ViaSat common stockholders was $0.03 per share, or a loss of $0.13 per share on a diluted GAAP basis – compared to net income of $0.04 and a loss of $0.47 per share, respectively, for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Arabsat and Morgan for Information and Communications Technology (MICT) signed a contract where Arabsat will provide Morgan with Satellite capacities on Arabsat-5C at the orbital position 20° East, with full coverage to the African continent, in addition to Arabsat usual coverage to the Middle East and large parts of Asia and Europe.

Eng. Khalid bin Ahmed Balkheyour President & CEO of Arabsat expressed his happiness to sign this contract with Morgan, stressing Arabsat full support and commitment to provide the best services for them.

Canadian Industry Minister James Moore unveiled a new plan to develop the country's space industry, in a bid to safeguard Canada's "sovereignty, security and prosperity." Moore said Canada's Space Policy Framework will serve as a guideline for the country's strategic space activities, and ensure the commercial competitiveness of the Canadian space industry in the future.

The framework noted that "space has become a new frontier not only for science but for commerce," as global satellite industry revenues has exceeded  CDN$ 190 billion (approximately US$ 172 billion) annually.

Social media, big data analytics, OTT, multi-platform screening and CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) have been cited in various industry reports as some of the key trends to watch in 2014. These trends are fuelled by a steep increase in consumption of data and entertainment on mobile devices, with mobile data traffic in Asia Pacific expected to exceed the rest of the world by 2017.  

CASBAA’s annual India Forum will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at the Shangri-La New Delhi where an international and local roster of high-level speakers will explore the Indian cable and broadcasting markets in the context of the global economy and challenging regulatory regimes.