Advanced Television

Intelsat clings onto No 1 spot

July 14, 2015

By Chris Forrester

The annual Space News Top Ten list of satellite operators is just out, and Intelsat has just held onto its top spot as the largest satellite operator based on overall revenues of $2.64 billion (2.39bn) and 55 satellites in orbit. Intelsat’s revenues for 2014 have fallen back $19 million from its 2013 position.

SES of Luxembourg is Number 2 with revenues of $2.33 billion, and has also suffered a revenue drop from 2013’s $2.56 billion, but this is partly explained by currency exchange differences.

Number 3 is Paris-based Eutelsat, with revenues of $1.65 billion.  Number 4 is Canada’s Telesat and its $793.7 million of revenues.

Number 5 is Japan’s SkyPerfect/JSAT at $446.2 million, while Arabsat takes the Number 6 spot at $350 million.

The UAE’s Yahsat is at Number 7, and has grown significantly over the past year to a revenue picture of $285 million compared with less than $50 million a year ago.

Number 8 is Thaicom with revenues of flat $267 million, although if measured in Thai Baht its revenues actually grew 26 percent last year.

Number 9 is China Satcom ($260 million), and Hispasat is at No. 10 ($246.6 million).

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