[Satellite TODAY 11-18-11] SES CEO Romain Bausch confirmed his company’s plans to reduce the number of satellites it has over the United States during the next several years to address a excess supply of capacity.

   Speaking at a Nov. 16 conference organized by Morgan Stanley, Bausch said SES would move some the satellites to markets where demand is stronger, which could include Latin America and Asia as possible targets. “The response to soft demand is obviously to adjust the supply. Prices will not increase, and will at best remain stable,” said Bausch.

   SES will add a satellite in Asia and one in Latin America by 2015 or 2016 at the cost 250 million euros ($337 million) each. Bausch also identified what he believes is an excess capacity supply in sub-Saharan Africa, which will prevent the company from increasing its prices in the region through 2014.

   SES forecasted profit margins from its main infrastructure business to stay at more than 80 percent and plans to make acquisitions in Asia. SES also has considered buying Greece’s Hellas Sat SA to boost its coverage over Eastern Europe. The operator’s margins from transponder sales are projected to remain within a range of 82 percent to 83 percent as SES expects demand for satellite-based services to increase.