On our second edition of Via Satellite Middle East & Africa we put the spotlight on the vibrant satellite markets of this region. This edition will be distributed at AfricaCom, which is fast becoming the main telecommunications and satellite show for industry professionals.

I remember Tom Choi, CEO of ABS, telling me last year that “Africa was the new Brazil” in terms of potential for the satellite sector. But with many operators looking to launch capacity in this market, the potential for over-supply of satellite capacity is a very real threat. However, the attractions of the region are obvious; new pay-TV operators emerging and a lack of terrestrial infrastructure open a number of opportunities for satellite.

In this regional edition of Via Satellite, we look at the market for High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and what impact they can make in the Africa and Middle East regions. We also talk to key players in terms of in-flight connectivity in the region. While Middle Eastern airlines are some of the world’s pioneers in this area, it is more difficult to assess the opportunity in Africa, where such plans are still at the nascent stage.

We also have guest columns on the African media and satellite markets from PricewaterhouseCoopers and NSR which look at the media markets in South Africa, as well as the overall demand for satellite capacity.

This is our last regional edition of the year and once again underlines Via Satellite’s determination to provide best-in-class content to all key regional markets across the world. We look forward to bringing you more next year.

Mark Holmes is the editorial director for Via Satellite magazine and Avionics Magazine.