Advanced Television

Inside Satellite

Chris Forrester

Chris Forrester is one of the most experienced and highly regarded journalists in the field. His insight and analysis, particularly in the satellite and pay-TV arena, is highly prized. He has written for all the major business journals in the sector as well as several national newspapers.

Eutelsat buys back its own shares

A Eutelsat board meeting on June 18th voted to cancel 2,229,640 shares, representing 0.96 per cent of the share capital, in accordance with the authorisation granted by the 14th and 15th resolutions of the Combined General Shareholders’ Meeting of November 7th 2019. Of the 2,229,640 shares cancelled, 2,124,572 shares were acquired under the share buyback […]

June 22, 2020

End of an era for SES

The announcement that Ferdinand Kayser (CEO, SES Video division) and John Purvis (Head of Legal/General Counsel) are stepping down from their senior roles also brings to an end another ‘Luxembourg connection’ for SES.  Chairman of the Board Romain Bausch is a Luxembourger, of course, as are some of the other Board members. But Kayser’s departure […]

June 19, 2020

Bankrupt Intelsat leads satellite world in salaries

Despite being in bankruptcy protection, Intelsat’s executives are seeking to continue receiving impressive salaries and compensation packages. Intelsat is continuing to operate its business as a ‘debtor in possession’. On June 30th, the bankruptcy court will consider a motion to allow Intelsat to continue paying senior staff under its Key Executive Incentive Plan (KEIP) which […]

June 18, 2020

Rocket Lab has SpaceX in its sights

There’s a new rocket launch company making headlines. Rocket Lab, founded in 2006 and originally based in Auckland, New Zealand (where it still makes its rockets), has SpaceX’s frequency and some of its client list in its sights. Rocket Lab is headed by c0-founder Peter Beck, who currently serves as the company’s CEO and CTO. […]

June 17, 2020

Time for aircraft IFC to consolidate

The embryonic In Flight Entertainment and Connectivity industry has been badly hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. No flights mean no passengers, and nobody to tap into aircraft-based broadband. Indeed, last week it emerged that Delta Airlines is contemplating offering ‘free’ WiFi on its US routes, and looking to trim its fees to its (current) main […]

June 15, 2020

US satellite builders prepare for sales bonanza

The US satellite industry is about to get a few billions-worth of order for new craft. The new satellites will provide the fresh bandwidth to replace the C-band frequencies being given up as a result of the FCC’s push for 5G adoption in the US. Maxar Technologies has already said it has received a “multi-satellite” […]

June 12, 2020

Busy bankruptcy court for Intelsat

As well as approving a $1 billion ‘debtor in possession’ loan, Intelsat’s bankruptcy court had an extremely busy ‘omnibus’ day on June 9th dealing with dozens of applications and motions. The court approved the rate of interest that Intelsat must pay to the lenders Credit Suisse on the $1 billion loan. Intelsat has to pay […]

June 11, 2020

Musk targets 100 people per Starship

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is normally focused on launching satellites into orbit, plus a couple of astronauts now and again. But now he is targeting his all-new ‘Starship’ super-rocket, and flights carrying up to 100 people. Musk’s Starship is the vehicle which he wants to use to get missions to the Moon, and eventually Mars. He […]

June 10, 2020

Intelsat rejects ITSO claim

Last month it was reported how the organisation which supervises Intelsat’s public service obligations, the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (ITSO), had complained to Intelsat’s bankruptcy court that Intelsat had not been paying its dues to ITSO. ITSU had asked the court to authorise a special payment to fund its costs and services. Intelsat responded ahead […]

June 9, 2020

Telesat & Telefónica prove LEO capability

Telesat is working with Telefónica on a series of in-orbit broadband and video tests on Telesat’s first-generation Low Earth Orbiting satellite. The tests, described by the pair as “rigorous”, were designed to explore the performance and feasibility of leveraging LEO satellites for high-end services. Testing demonstrated that Telesat LEO could be a viable option for […]

June 5, 2020