Satellite-Delivered Services in the Face of Migrating Markets

Abstract

The advent of digital technology has brought a step change to the world of broadcasting. However, the multiplication of digital programmes and the development of new interactive content is only a first step in an evolutionary process amplified by the introduction of digital technology. Convergence creates new content, which calls for new ways of transmission. Satellite systems offering broadband multimedia capacity are well placed to address the new needs of corporate and individual users. Digital technology will induce a migration of the markets, which are served today by traditional broadcasting, towards new markets in which multicast asymmetric applications will develop, targeting businesses and consumers.

Unlike planned multi-billion dollar next-generation broadband satellite systems, existing satellite operators like SES can build on existing strengths in order to develop new markets through incremental investment. Existing satellite systems can be up-graded to distribute multimedia content to PCs in closed user groups. On the ASTRA satellite system, in a second phase, Ka-band capacity will be made available; this will provide a direct, high-speed return channel directly via satellite, creating a directly interactive communications system targetting a market of business applications.