In 2013 ABI Research estimates one out of every ten pay TV households had access to applications on the set-top box – applications include news and information services, service provider specific apps, OTT video, games, and music services. By 2019 nearly 40% of pay TV households should have access to similar services and features. Video will remain the focus for entertainment applications - consumers’ penchant for OTT video underscores the importance of video and how operator application libraries will evolve.

This month’s column provides updated information about the GVF MENASAT @ CABSAT 2014 – Satellite Interference Summit, which will take place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), in Meeting Room Al-Ain F (above Halls 1 and 2), on 12th and 13th March.

SES reported 2013 revenues of EUR 1.862 billion (approximately US$ 2.59 billion), an increase of 3.4% at constant foreign exchange rates (FX) over the prior year period; 5.9% when excluding the EUR 42.6 million of analogue revenue recorded in 2012. � 2013 EBITDA  was EUR 1.364 billion, an increase of 2.8% at constant FX over the prior year; 6.2% when excluding analogue revenue.

Airbus Defence and Space (formerly Astrium)  has won a contract with SES for the design and construction of the latest addition to its fleet, the SES-10 satellite which will be covering the Americas. The new satellite will be based on the Eurostar E3000 platform and will be equipped with a dual chemical and electrical propulsion system.

Intelsat S.A. today reported total revenue of US$ 642.8 million and net income attributable to Intelsat S.A. of US$ 72.6 million, or $0.62 per share on a diluted basis, for the three months ended  December 31, 2013. The company reported adjusted diluted net income per  common share of $0.84 for the three months ended December 31, 2013. 

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. today reported its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. Revenue for 2013 was US$ 234.9 million with EBITDA of US$ 16.3 million. Gilat reported strong backlog of US$ 228 million at the end of 2013 more than doubled as compared to US$98.9 million at the end of 2012.

Net cash increased to US $50.9 million as compared to US$ 18.7 million at the end of 2012.

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. 

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).