Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC): The Magic Bullet?
In 2008 we will see new North American MSS satellites launched by both ICO and TerreStar, whose funding was predicated on the value of their spectrum assets and the expectation that Ancillary Terrestrial Components (ATCs) would enable this value to be realized. ICO and TerreStar are taking different approaches to the market, with ICO focusing initially on delivering mobile video services to cars, and TerreStar on enabling interoperable first responder communications via its 4G wireless chipset. Mobile Satellite Ventures is following close behind, with its ongoing WiMAX trial and satellite launches set for 2009/10. However, all three of the companies need to raise more money to launch full commercial services and pay for their ground spare satellites. This panel session will discuss how regulators will view these new services, what benefits will be realized by end users, and, most importantly, which of the three approaches will deliver the greatest value to investors.
Delivering Broadband Anywhere: The Next Generation of Mobile Satellite Communications
Broadband demand from mobile platforms is surging, with deployment of new MSS and mobile VSAT technologies on ships, trains and planes set to generate hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years. Inmarsat's land-based BGAN service, introduced in 2006, has achieved far wider use than any of Inmarsat's previous generations of high speed data terminals, and its maritime and aeronautical variants are set for launch in late 2007. However, increasing attention is also being paid to mobile VSATs, whose cheaper bandwidth can offset their more expensive terminal costs. Despite the failure of Connexion, satellite operators are pushing forward with maritime Ku-band coverage, and equipment manufacturers are developing smaller terminals. Further competition is expected in 2008 from Iridium's new broadband maritime terminal. Who will come out on top? Can Inmarsat's recent rapid growth continue, or will its dominant market position be eroded? Hear from all the leading players about their expectations for the next generation of satellite-delivered mobile broadband.
General Session: Mobile Satellite Services: MSS Industry Leaders Stake Their Claims
MSS operators in 2008 will have to deliver on their promises of innovative new capabilities which can address a much wider market than the niches MSS has served to date. With the launch of ICO and TerreStar's new satellites, we will see whether ATC really is the magic bullet that has attracted so much attention on Wall Street. Virtually all players need to raise more financing to fund their business plans. Will the markets cooperate, or is the cycle of bankruptcies we saw in late 1990s doomed to repeat itself? Hear what the CEOs have to say about their plans, and why they believe in the future of MSS.
Mobile TV: The Role for Satellites in an Increasingly Hybrid, Multimedia World
Through initial success of S-DMB services in Korea and usage of satellite capacity to distribute mobile content, satellite players are turning their attention to emerging mobile multimedia distribution models. Now, the pending launch of S-band capacity in Europe, recent ratification of DVB-SH, trials between broadband wireless providers and ATC players, and a greater volume of satellite deals to backhaul mobile video content all point to an industry poised to break away from hype and show real revenue. This panel will explore the growth opportunities for mobile video via satellite, in all distribution models, and identify how satellite companies will benefit from this multimedia application.
The SATELLITE 2006 Conference Proceedings CD-Rom includes the audio and PowerPoint presentations from every session in the conference. It also includes a complete exhibitor list with links so you can contact the 240 exhibitors of SATELLITE 2006 directly.
The SATELLITE 2007 Conference Proceedings CD-Rom includes the audio and PowerPoint presentations from every session in the conference. It also includes a complete exhibitor list with links so you can contact the 270 exhibitors of SATELLITE 2007 directly.
The SATELLITE 2008 Conference Proceedings CD-Rom includes the audio and PowerPoint presentations from every session in the conference. It also includes a complete exhibitor list with links so you can contact the 270 exhibitors of SATELLITE 2008 directly.
Satellites Serving the Public Interest: Safety, Security and Service
Mobile Satellite Services have played a leading role in the response to disasters both in the US and overseas. The FCC has also cited the need for emergency backup communications provided by MSS as a key factor in justifying ATC authorizations and has even mandated the inclusion of satellite capability in terminals for the new 700MHz public-private partnership. European regulators have also highlighted the role that new 2GHz MSS networks could play in emergency response. This panel will examine the requirements of first responders and what MSS providers must do to expand this market in the future.
In the wake of the XM-Sirius merger, attention has now turned to the possibility of consolidation in the MSS sector. At last year's MSS CEO panel, only Robert Brumley of TerreStar was prepared to venture that there might be less CEOs participating in the session next year. However, we have already seen the announcement of a possible attempt to combine SkyTerra and Inmarsat this year, and meanwhile Inmarsat has applied to the FCC for permission to take over Stratos in April 2009. However, MSS operators have continued to raise additional funding through 2008 despite extraordinarily difficult financial market conditions. Will this be enough to see them through the challenges and costs of launching new services, or will additional mergers prove to be the best way forward in 2009 and beyond? Hear from the industry's CEOs as they talk about what's gone right and what hasn't for MSS over the last year and what changes they expect in 2009.
