The opportunities in Latin America are proving to be a hot talking point among the satellite community at IBC. The economic growth in countries like Brazil is at odds with what is going on in the rest of the world, where growth is pretty much at a standstill. Romain Bausch, CEO, SES, once again highlighted that the growth for SES will come more in emerging markets such as Latin America, rather than established markets such as Europe and North America. Most executives we have spoken to at IBC highlight Latin America is THE number one emerging market for growth and opportunity right now.
   The potential growth for satellite capacity and services is coming from a number of areas. Industry executives we have spoken to point to cellular backhaul and DTH as two key drivers of growth. What is interesting is that telcos in the region are looking more and more towards satellite. The move to 3G, and even 4G, is sparking interest for satellite in terms of backhaul. Also, it is telcos themselves who are looking to satellite to bring new DTH services to market. With pay-TV penetration relatively low in the region, it seems satellite, more than cable or IPTV, will be ready to pick up the slack in emerging video markets here.
   What these trends are proving is that telcos are recognizing the need for satellite and, more importantly, are ready to sign deals to that end. One executive we spoke to today says they are expecting a number of deals signed between FSS operators and telcos over the next 12 months for capacity for DTH services. Even at a major trade show based in Europe, it seems the Latin America question and opportunity is very much on the minds of satellite community here.