LAS VEGAS–Satellite-delivered broadband services will gain a U.S. market niche despite fierce competition from regional telephone companies and cable TV system operators, top satellite industry experts said at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show held here this week.

Joan Byrnes, chairwoman of the Society of Satellite Professionals International and former chief operating officer of Loral Skynet [NYSE: LOR], identified three drivers that will fuel broadband deployment to consumers and businesses–increased investments in technology; a growing sense of urgency about the need for integrated broadband services worldwide; and a developing competitive landscape for such services.

Satellite-delivered broadband services will be a reality for both the enterprise and consumer markets, forecasted the satellite industry executives who spoke at a panel session moderated by SATELLITE NEWS Contributing Editor David Bross.

The recent $100 million-plus investment in satellite broadband company WildBlue by the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), Intelsat and Liberty Media [NYSE: L] will help bridge the “digital divide” between urban, suburban and rural U.S. markets, said Harry Thibedeau, manager of satellite industry relations for the Reston, Va.-based NRTC.

Susan Brazer, president of New Jersey-based LionShare Media International, said there is pent-up demand for seamless broadband connectivity not only by consumers, but also by content originators and providers.

For more on this story, check out the April 14 issue of SATELLITE NEWS. For more information about subscribing to PBI Media’s satellite newsletters, check out our Web site at https://www.satellitetoday.com.