2005 may go down as the year that broadband satellite service turned a corner and began delivering on a number of long-held promises, according to a new report from Northern Sky Research (NSR).
In the fifth edition update to its “Broadband Satellite Markets” report, NSR provides a comprehensive analysis of the global market for enterprise and SME VSAT networks, single-site satellite broadband Internet access services and satellite IP trunking applications.
The launch of a new generation of Ka-band satellite broadband services in North America, a strong performance by HNS’ DIRECWAY service and successful orbiting of the Thaicom-4/iPSTAR-1 satellite are harbingers that broadband satellite services are poised for significant growth, according to NSR.
NSR estimates the satellite broadband industry generated nearly $2.7 billion in 2005 from an installed base of 1.01 million IP VSAT sites and satellite broadband subscribers.
Satellite broadband Internet access services to individual consumers and small businesses are projected to be the fastest growing segment of the broadband satellite market, with North America generating more than 80 percent of global subscribers in the coming five years.
Recently, interest in broadband satellite IP services has grown in TV news departments as Inmarsat BGAN (broadband global area network) services are set to begin this year after testing of the recently launched I-4 BGAN satellite is completed.
For more information, visit www.northernskyresearch.com/reports/BBSM5/index.html.
