Advantech AMT, David Gelerman / Chairman & CEO

Satellite players will need to offer solutions and products which optimize the use of satellite resource, satellite being the most expensive communications medium. To accomplish that, they will need to leverage advantages of satellite technology such as ubiquitous coverage and through technology innovation minimize the end user’s operating expenses whilst keeping capital cost of the equipment under control.

ATCi, Gary Hatch / CEO

Being on the forefront of emerging voice, data and video technologies gives satellite players the ability to work within different markets offering a variety of unique services. These services allow satellite players to provide profitable options for companies who need access to bandwidth to fulfill their business plans. The high definition market is a good example, while satellite players need to be capable of implementing DVB-S2 and MPEG-4 systems to meet the needs of broadcast and cable operators.

AvL Technologies, Jim Oliver / President & CEO

Because interest in connectivity from extremely remote locations is growing in many, many markets, ease-of-operation and cost-effectiveness is imperative in keeping satellite communications viable for end-users. Products must be of the utmost reliability, while being ever more portable and easy to use. Smaller antennas offer improved mobility, lower prices, and are feasible for users who are not satellite-trained technicians. Ka and X band are increasingly in demand because of usage by the military world-wide.

To keep up with communications customers’ expectations, technology and service providers cannot rest on our achievements thus far. Hardware needs to be smaller, portable, and more durable. Software needs to be faster and easier to use, and service contracts need to be more flexible and less costly.

C-Com Satellite Systems Inc., Bilal Awada / CTO

Satellite players need to continue to invest heavily in Research and Development leading to great innovations and new technologies resulting in smaller packages and lower equipment costs. This is essential for continued exploration of a creative and more efficient use and re-use of spectrum to expand services without additional allocations and to adopt viable applications which can leverage on satellite broadcast advantages.

Hughes Network Systems, Pradman Kaul / Chairman & CEO

Never have the industry’s opportunities been greater. To remain on top means players must keep advancing the intrinsic quality/cost advantages of satellite services to a diverse and global customer base. From providing consumers/SMBs with high-speed Internet access; enterprises with profit-enhancing applications; and helping governments close the digital divide—success depends on the value of broadband we unlock for our customers.

iDirect Technologies, Dave Bettinger / CTO and Senior Vice President of Engineering

We’re in an era where dynamic end-user demands drive innovation. For technology players, the systems we develop must be flexible – geared for the specialized needs of vertical markets and supporting a greater diversity of applications. At iDirect, our development model integrates all our capabilities into a centralized platform to meet end user requirements. That way our partners can be responsive to market demands, adapt quickly to customer needs and capitalize on new options to grow their business.

MCL Inc. (A MITEQ Co.), Howard Hausman / President

Satellite communications is a cutting edge technology and requires equipment to be on that edge, but not precariously positioned. Reliability and availability along with state-of-the-art equipment are the most important qualities required. At MCL we always offer the most advanced equipment after we have proven and tested it to the most rigorous environments that it will see in the field.

MITEQ, Howard Hausman / President

Communications is continuing to evolve and Satellite communications is the market segment that is most adaptable to changing requirements. The key to positioning the satellite industry to be able to respond to new opportunities is bandwidth. Ka-band systems are currently rolling out but to stay in the forefront of communications more bandwidth is necessary. The industry must push an accelerated development in the Q-band region to be prepared for the next generation communication applications.

ViaSat, Mark Dankberg / Chairman & CEO

While satellite broadcast remains competitive, satellite data services are fading due to increasing terrestrial coverage with much lower priced bandwidth. High capacity satellites, like ViaSat-1, offer a quantum leap of two orders of magnitude in efficiency and speed versus conventional FSS satellites. They’re a game-changer for satellite service providers who work with us to exploit this technical breakthrough.