Satellite Expertise

Satellite technology has come a long way since Sputnik first orbited the earth in 1957— satellites are instrumental in providing voice, video, location, radio and even low bandwidth data services globally.  Satellite is the prime access technology used to serve remote and distant markets which are challenging to access with terrestrial networks. Another key strength of satellites is the ability to offer nationwide or regional coverage using a single geostatic orbital in space, i.e. just one satellite.

Space has hardly proven to be the ‘final frontier’ – satellite providers have continued to redefine and enhance the services that they can offer such as increasing channels on TV or bandwidth for data. Additionally, satellite service is often the only medium capable of filling service gaps across geographies. However, with the ever increasing reach of terrestrial networks, these service area gaps where satellite service enjoys virtually no competition are shrinking. This market reality presents significant challenges for satellite providers including:

• How to minimize competitive risks and remain relevant in well served markets and defend against terrestrial players?
• How to acquire and retain enough subscribers to ensure continued profitability and justify future satellite launch costs/upgrades?
• How best to manage capacity? Can raising enough capital to launch new satellites be justified?

Recent Client Successes
We have had significant experience in evaluating satellite services over the last decade

• For a major satellite provider, helped to develop a go-to-market business plan to provide a unique satellite / terrestrial hybrid service enabling users lowest cost access with 100% nationwide coverage
• For a next-generation satellite company planning a 4G MSS/ATC dual network, we helped to refine their wholesale pricing strategy, define customer segments, and identify appropriate pricing approaches (e.g., premium vs. discount) for customer segments based on value proposition levers.
• Helped secure government funding through the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) to help create a first of its kind satellite video conferencing solution available to the public in the state of Alaska.

Research & Insights
Overview statements discussing the research and work we have done in this area.
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