Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/8484-satellite-sector-revenue-grows-11-percent-despite-economic-crisis

Satellite Sector Revenue Grows 11 Percent Despite Economic Crisis

September 1, 2009

Euroconsult announced that growth in the fixed satellite market has remained strong despite the adverse economic environment. According to Euroconsult’s soon-to-be released report “Satellite Communications & Broadcasting Markets Survey, Forecasts to 2018,” the fixed satellite sector grew in terms of both transponder demand (+9 percent) and overall revenues (+10.7 percent) representing a peak in the current decade. Digital entertainment and emerging digital markets remain the primary growth drivers, with corporate networks, military communications and broadband access uptake also contributing to growth.


“Digital TV broadcasting remains the primary growth engine for the satellite sector. Last year, 18 new satellite pay-TV platforms were launched for a total of 109 platforms now in service. Over 24,000 TV channels are now broadcast by satellite, with more than 2,900 TV channels added last year,” said Pacôme Revillon, CEO at Euroconsult. “Transponder demand also remained strong for communication services, particularly corporate networks, government communications and cellular backhaul.”

Average fill rate for commercially available satellite capacity currently stands at close to 74 percent and may reach even higher in 2009, following a four-year upward trend. This high fill rate is an important factor as it limits competitive pressure between market players, prevents a drop in capacity prices and protects revenue growth and profit margins.