News Analysis

The Earth Station Business

by Dan Freyer

Los Angeles, Calif., February 3, 2013--The large antenna systems manufacturing and earth station integration business has changed in the last several years. While the number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying smaller antennas, (e.g. under 5 meters), including specialized systems for aeronautical and military applications, continues to grow, consolidation has narrowed the field of large antenna makers.  Two majors, ASC Signal and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies lead the pack today.    Nevertheless, the business of supplying complete turnkey earth station systems, of which the antenna and RF chain are a key component, remains a competitive market. 

What is a Satellite Services Business Really Worth?

by Robert Bell

New York City, February 1, 2013--It is a bad time to sell satellite ground segment, aka a teleport.  But it is a great time to sell a successful satellite services business with a teleport at its core. That paradox is the conclusion of Best Practices in Teleport Valuation, a newly published report from the World Teleport Association.

Hispasat Deploys 4,000 Antennas for Broadband via Satellite

Madrid, Spain, February 1, 2013 — Spain’s satellite communications operator, Hispasat, said it has completed deploying 4,000 antennas capable of delivering broadband service making it the market leader in satellite residential broadband market in Spain.

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SintecMedia Acquires Argo Systems

New York City, January 22, 2013- Broadcast management software provider SintecMedia today announced the acquisition of Argo Systems, a provider of business solutions to the cable network and operators industry. This is SintecMedia's second acquisition in the North American market, complementing its recent purchase of StorerTV.

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SpeedCast Completes Buyout of Elektrikom Satellite Services

Hong Kong, January 17, 2013 – SpeedCast Ltd, has completed, with the support of its majority shareholder, TA Associates, a buyout of maritime services provider Elektrikom Satellite Services, based in the Netherlands.

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Nevion and T-VIPS complete merger

Sandefjord, Norway, January 16, 2013— Nevion and T-VIPS, pioneers of media transport for broadcasters, service providers and government entities worldwide, announced Wednesday the completion of their merger following regulatory approvals.

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Satellites: Connecting the Unconnected

by Johann Pohany

Luxembourg City, January 3, 2013-Anybody who lives outside an urban area in Europe is familiar with the problem of slow loading internet pages. Due to the steady rise of data streams on modern internet pages it can take ages to load an internet page these days, often forcing the browser to time out. While internet access is widely regarded as a right and no longer a privilege – and social, economic and even political development is increasingly dependent on broadband connectivity – millions of people across Europe suffer from insufficient or even non-existent internet connectivity. 

Amino Chief Technologist Reveals his Top Five Predictions for 2013

Cambridge, UK, January 2, 2013--Amino Communications Chief Technologist Kevin Lingley has looked into his crystal ball to reveal his thoughts about the five most significant developments in the pay-TV market for 2013.

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New Report From WTA Explores Best Practices in Buying Satellite Antennas and the RF Chain

New York City, December 14, 2012--The World Teleport Association released a new white paper, Best Practices in Buying Satellite Antennas and the RF Chain. The latest in the Four-Nines series of reports shares insights from WTA members on the trade-offs between cost and quality, standards-based and proprietary, and investment risk versus revenue opportunity of purchasing antennas and RF equipment. The report is made possible by the financial support of XipLink.

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Pay-TV providers in Europe and Asia Testing New Roles as OTT Providers

Dallas, Texas, December 7, 2012--Low ARPUs, growing competitive threats, and rival multiscreen services are driving many pay-TV providers in Europe and Asia to explore new business strategies in video services, according to international research firm Parks Associates. TV Everywhere: Growth, Solutions, and Strategies - Europe and Asia/Pacific,a new report from Parks Associates, indicates multiscreen services now reach 66% of pay-TV subscribers in Western Europe, 21% in Eastern Europe, and 9% in Asia, compared to 90% in North America.

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