After struggling through several depressed years, the satellite industry continues to rebound in the early 21st century, with the services sector leading the way.

More companies and individuals are discovering that satellite technology not only provides a reliable means of communications in areas that are not served by terrestrial providers or in the event of the loss of terrestrial services, but satellite can also be an integral part of their critical daily communications needs even in developed regions of the world.
The growing interest in satellite services helped the global commercial satellite industry recorded $88.8 billion in revenues in 2005, the fourth straight year of gains.

The satellite services sector accounted for $52.8 billion or nearly 50 percent of all revenues, driven by commercial satellite imagery, direct-to-home (DTH) services and satellite radio, and mobile data services. DTH and satellite radio demand also helped the ground equipment sector post another solid year, as revenues improved more than 28 percent to $25.2 billion.

Terrestrial communications companies also continue to look for ways to work with the satellite sector, as convergence remains one of the hottest industry buzzwords. Satellite-enabled broadband and Internet protocol networks are in demand, as customers in the broadcast, corporate and civil and military government markets continue to seek seamless communications solutions to link ever expanding global operations. Working together to provide these networks will help telecommunications companies continue to grow the market and their bottom lines.

Annually, in our sponsored 13th issue of Via Satellite, we highlight some of the most advanced products and services being developed for the global satellite marketplace, demonstrating the advanced technology to both potential business partners and a diverse customer base.
The companies highlighted in the following pages continue to provide cutting edge technologies and remain focused on providing the tools that the satellite industry will need to compete and prosper in the 21st century communications market.

Given the increases throughout the various sectors of the satellite industry, business is indeed picking up for many customers.
Today, satellite equipment manufacturers and services providers are working with new momentum. The 2007 Strategic Planning And Resource Guide is a tool for satellite services buyers, investors and professionals to use throughout the year while making decisions that affect the future course of their business.