[Satellite TODAY 11-14-11] Worldwide demand for C- and Ku-band satellite transponders will reach 7,840 transponders by 2017, according to research study published Nov. 11 by Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

   In the report, “Satellite Transponders Market,” GIA noted rapidly expanding DTH, digital TV, UAV communications, consumer broadband and 3D markets and increased governmental expenditure on military satellite navigation, positioning systems, and space exploration as key drivers of C- and Ku-band demand.

GIA said the satellite industry maintains a solid base that slated to have strong growth potential as C- and Ku-band still forms an essential element in meeting major telecommunications service requirements.

   “Technological advancements during the last few years greatly enhanced the compression technology. Enhanced compression technologies and digitalization have resulted in transmission of more content on each transponder, thereby restraining transponder demand,” GIA analysts wrote in the report. “The global satellite transponder demand has remained buoyant despite the economic woes engulfing the world. Emergence of higher bandwidth consuming 3-D channels, with an average 40 to 50 percent higher capacity requirement is likely to provide a new thrust to the satellite transponder market …  other catalysts for demand growth include direct radio, consumer broadband Internet services, data services and mobile telephony.”