The global space economy grew to US$ 289.77 billion in 2011, reflecting a surprisingly robust single-year expansion of 12.2 percent and five-year growth of 41 percent in a global economy that has been suppressed in many other sectors, according to the Space Report 2012 published by the Space Foundation.

VT Systems and the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) released the results of a new study on satellite communications in the utility industry. The study, Strategic Assessment of Satellite Usage in the Utility Industry, was conducted to gain a better understanding of how satellite communications is currently used in the utility industry and to better articulate the benefits of modern VSAT systems. Among the key findings were that 60% of utilities surveyed are already using some form of satellite communications technology.

The universe of smart connected devices, including PCs, media tablets, and smartphones, saw shipments of more than 916 million units and revenues surpassing $489 billion dollars in 2011, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). These numbers reflect the combined total from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, Mobile Phone Tracker, and Media Tablet Tracker.

The worldwide fixed broadband market continues to grow, despite a surge in mobile broadband adoption. The number of fixed broadband subscribers reached 586.7 million in 1Q 2012, generating service revenue of $47.7 billion. In 1Q 2012, Asia-Pacific was alone in adding nearly seven million subscribers, most notably by net subscriber additions in China.

According to a new market research report from MarketsandMarkets, Global 3D technology-products and applications market is expected to reach $227.27 billion by 2016, at an estimated CAGR of 15.81%. North America is holding a leadership position in total 3D technology market followed by Europe and APAC. In rest of the world (ROW) markets, the Middle East and Africa are the largest contributors.

According to a new report from TDG, eight in ten U.S. broadband households now use a home network, meaning they are able to access a growing variety of net-based video and applications on a growing number of devices.

Broadband and IPTV growth spiked to a high in 2011 with rates higher than at any time in the last five years, according to year-end figures published by the Broadband Forum. Overall, broadband growth is estimated at 65,493,596 lines, bringing the global total to 597,322,636, a quarterly increase of 2.6% - and an annual growth rate of 12.3%. The figures, prepared for the Broadband Forum by broadband industry analysts Point Topic, also highlight the strongest ever quarter of growth in IPTV which is today’s most demandingapplication for high speed broadband.

TV programs have come to the Internet, and the Internet has gone to mobile devices. Now the Internet is coming  research forecasts that 100 million households will actively use a hybrid service delivered to their TV set by 2016.

Euroconsult forecasts that the number of satellite communications terminals in the global maritime market will nearly double over the next decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the 10-year period. While MSS terminals are still expected to account for the majority of terminals deployed over the decade, VSAT service providers should gain significant market share in terms of revenue in the coming 10 years.

Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels spiked to 7.8 million in Q4’11, up 26% Q/Q. As a result, total 3D TV panel shipments in 2011 reached 21.2 million, accounting for 10% of all LCD TV panels shipped According to the NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D, panel makers are targeting very strong growth of 138% for 2012, which would lead to 3D LCD TV panel shipments of 50 million units, for a penetration rate of 21.6% of all LCD TV panel shipments.