The satellite industry is clearly at an inflection point as operators seek new growth opportunities. For a new CEO to the satellite industry it is quite a daunting challenge. What is interesting about Eutelsat’s relatively new CEO Rodolphe Belmer is that he has a very strong background in broadcasting and video.
VIA SATELLITE: How important are other orbits for major global FSS operators? Will Eutelsat have to move beyond GEO at some point?
Explore the January/February 2018 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Belmer: We have always been clear over the last two years that we take a pragmatic approach to other orbits. Our philosophy is not based around GEO. We do believe that only GEO can generate profitable solutions and compelling customer propositions in video and broadband connectivity activities that are at the heart of Eutelsat’s business. The day we conclude that LEO constellations could be a source of profitable business, we will look at this option.
VIA SATELLITE: You seemed to be more optimistic about video in Paris than others on the panel. What gives you the belief that this is still a great growth market?
Belmer: We are very confident that video will continue to be extremely resilient and show slight growth over the next decade. Satellite is really the only technology that can reach 100 percent of the population, and it is this reach advantage that will continue to make it an economically distinctive solution for broadcasters and pay-TV operators for the foreseeable future, including OTT players. VS
