The Ka-band is an untapped resource that will find increasing demand as Ku- and C-band spectrum becomes depleted, according to Frost & Sullivan‘s study, “World Ka- band Satellite Broadband Services Market.” However, high migration costs and satelliteoperators’ unwillingness to subsidize these costs will deter both business customers and consumers from shifting to Ka-band receivers, the study finds.

“The market will develop once at least one satellite operator launches a dedicated Ka-band system and demonstrates the system’s usefulness. Operators, service providers and their financial backers will then begin to consider the prospects of developing more systems,” said Karim Nour, an analyst for Frost & Sullivan’s SatelliteCommunications group.

Frost & Sullivan is hosting a conference call Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the study. Those interested in participating should e-mail Natasha Coleman- Jones at [email protected].