The CEOs of the four largest FSS players again kicked off the SATELLITE 2011 show, but while their time in the spotlight last just less than two hours, the impact of their comments can be felt throughout the day.
    The concerns of Eutelsat, Intelsat, SES and Telesat about satellite manufacturing costs, launch prices and the changing broadcasting landscape are closely monitored by the rest of the satellite sector. The thoughts of these CEOS generated lively discussions throughout the day about the future of the launch market, the development of in-orbit satellite services and other topics.
    On Wednesday, we’ll see if these talking points continue to have an impact on the SATELLITE 2011 show as well as what other hot-button issues will be discussed. CEOs from MSS players Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar and Inmarsat will open the day and continue the MSUA-8 conference, and while these executives have plenty of developments within their own market to discuss, they also continue to see the FSS players encroach more and more into markets that traditionally have been the domain of the MSS players.
    The Broadcasters Roundtable features HBO, Scripps Networks International, TBS and CBS, all of whom rely on FSS players to deliver their services but also are exploring new ways to deliver their offerings to customers, a move that threatens the traditional broadcasting model. The Satellite and Broadcasting: A 30-Year Warning session, will bring together executives, including ones from SES, Intelsat and ABC, to explore the potential changes in broadcasting even further and perhaps look at a time in the not-too-distant future, when the FSS players may not exert as much influence.
    The Regional Focus Forum will also give a chance for operators of smaller FSS fleets to offer their views on these topics and the competition in the
various regions around the globe. We hope you find a chance to explore these topics, visit the exhibit floor and join us for lunch to honor Via Satellite‘s 2010 Executive of the Year, Petra Mateos of Hispsat.