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There seems to be a consensus among industry analysts
that finally the market is picking-up after years of
sluggish growth. But what does this mean for the industry
as a whole? Can we finally look forward to a good few
years of economic expansion? Only time will tell, but
the indicators are certainly looking more promising.
Banks and financial institutions from around the world
have renewed their interest in all compartments of the
satellite sector, as the recent acquisitions and successful
Initial Public Offerings demonstrate. Sure there are
challenges facing the industry, but things are getting
better. Indeed, the general feeling seems to be that
the industry is in a better state, now, than it has
been for a very long time. There is a clear belief that
the tough days of low prices in all areas of the satellite
sector are behind us. Buyers seem to have understood
that it is important to pay prices that reflect the
value of the services being bought. In fact it has been
widely reported that transponder prices are going up
after years of slow erosion.
But where are the areas of growth that the satellite
sector can exploit? Certainly, opportunities lie within
the video broadcasting sector. The signs tell us that
satellite television platforms will remain the core
customers of satellite capacity over the coming decade,
especially in emerging digital TV markets where satellite
is likely to remain the primary television distribution
platform to introduce services. In the most developed
markets the competition is coming from IPTV, while North
America will remain the largest market for HDTV. Some
niche markets such as digital cinema, could also represent
an interesting opportunity for the video distribution
business.
Mobile satellite services
In the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) market segment,
on the other hand, the great opportunity comes from
the delivery of entertainment services. Digital Audio
Broadcasting and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting applications
have a significant potential, though timing to market
will be crucial for their success. Government and military
usage will continue to be the long-term driver for this
market. However, the future for MSS operators may depend
on their ability to seamlessly operate with terrestrial
networks.
The crucial role that satellite communications have
to play within vertical markets is becoming more and
more evident. We only need look towards Africa to see
the contribution that satellite has made to ‘Bridging
the Digital Divide’. The access to knowledge through
affordable communications leads to social and economic
advancement – something that holds great importance
to rural areas of this vast continent. Africa has seen
very high regional growth in satellite communication
revenue and in the use of hybrid solutions to connect
isolated communities.
Disaster recovery
In the disaster recovery sector, satellite has again
proved itself to be invaluable. Its capabilities mean
that communications can be restored in the harshest
of circumstances, ensuring continuity and communication
with the outside world at times of catastrophe. These
are just two examples of how satellite communications
can provide that all important link. In 2007, GVF will
continue to promote the capabilities of satellite within
vertical markets…in oil and gas, the military, the financial
sector, in development, in disaster management, within
government and many more key markets.
New and exciting trends are constantly evolving within
the industry. We are seeing new possibilities in mobile
TV; within military applications; in satellite news
gathering; in next generation networks; in in-flight
communications and space exploration to name just a
few. The customer base is becoming more diverse, the
demand is increasing. There is no doubt that communications
are ever-changing but there is also no doubt that satellite
can keep up with the pace.
Continued growth
Satellite solutions are now finding their way into
all walks of life. We can see satellite applications
in operation in both the public and private sector,
in our homes, and where we work. In the UK, the controversial
implementation of a nationwide road charging system
will focus the minds of a large proportion of the population
on the potential uses of satellite technology. Satellite
communication is becoming more and more crucial to everyday
life. Never more so than when disaster strikes and the
terrestrial networks fail. But don't forget, satellite
communications also connect areas of the world that
would otherwise be isolated. So what does the future
hold? What will be the next 'killer application'. Who
knows - but the future certainly looks brighter.
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