Buen Trabajo, Por Satélite
Satcom service companies in Latin America seem to be doing well, going where other telecom services can’t, and, well, there’s video.
No other technology delivers video to more people simultaneously than satellite. Here’s the press release from Frost & Sullivan:
"Fiber networks are limited to the most developed regions, leaving important space for satellite-based solutions to grow," says Frost & Sullivan Consultant Andrés Sciarrotta. "Moreover, the higher requirement for mobile content is, in turn, driving demand for data applications transmitted by satellite."
Users, irrespective of their location, can use fixed and mobile solutions to gain access to Internet broadband satellite. The fixed version provides broadband access throughout Latin America, at speed comparable to those available in the big cities.
Users can access their e-mails, transfer files, communicate through voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), or schedule meetings through video conference IP. This type of solution offers the benefits of communication from anywhere in the region (regardless of whether it is inhabited or not), a specially optimized coverage for South America, and a wide range of available services.
Despite these advances, the satellite service market is yet to stave off competition from terrestrial infrastructure and has to find a solution to the unattractive cost structure and payment methods, despite just having overcome historic low prices. The market is also challenged by the underwater cable network in Chile and other land installations. However, market participants can take heart from the governments’ efforts to spur connectivity programs in order to minimize the digital distance among some regions.
"Developments of TV digitalization and high definition TV (HDTV) broadcasting are also expected to drive the demand for transponders," notes Sciarrotta. "Further, the introduction of Ka-Band can augment the array of applications provided over satellite."
The study may be unique in its analysis, but I’d be interested in seeing research similar to what ASTRA produces in Europe. Market penetration estimates in the free-to-air and paid TV services via satellite is something programmers and content owners would be something they’d like to see. I’m certain of that.
What I think the Latin American market needs is more satellite capacity/inventory. If most the best satellites are sold out, what have you got to sell? Mierda!
