It is one of those issues where there are no easy answers. Groups such as the Satellite Interference Reduction Group (SIRG) and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), among others, are working behind the scenes to try and bring about resolution and change, but it is no easy task. Everyone may agree there is a problem, but the approach to solve it remains open to question. One executive we spoke to talked about taking ‘proactive’ and ‘reactive’ approaches here.

   For example, one of the issues facing operators is whether to make the move to Carrier ID. This would better enable identification of different kinds of video/audio transmissions across satellite. But does everyone want to follow this path?

   This is just one debate going on as the satellite industry tries to get to grips with this issue. In one of Euroconsult’s latest forecasts, the number of satellites is scheduled to increase still further over the next few years, meaning the satellite interference issue is more likely to intensify, rather than fade into the shadows. The efforts led by SIRG will hopefully impact this issue in a positive way, otherwise satellite operators could become victims of their own success, as more interference will mean the loss of revenue. For the industry’s sake, one can only hope solutions are found to minimize the potential damage.