Convergencia Research, Consultoría especializada en Latinoamérica y Caribe
Monday, October 13, 2014

Satellites Map in Latin America 2014

Growth of the Ka Band and sector revenues boost the regional market

The 2014 edition of the Latin America Satellite Map shows remarkable growth in the exploitation of the Ka band, technology that the telecommunications market found to complement transmissions in traditional bands (C and Ku). 

Another important innovation, in addition to the incorporation of low-orbit satellites which were not included in the previous edition, is the consolidation of O3B Networks with its medium earth orbit constellation of satellites. This firm, with a shareholding in leading satellite companies like –SES-, counts on with the participation of other technologies, such as Google, which sees possibilities of diversification in this market. 

The public sector in particular is very active. Several Latin American governments are committed to the sovereignty of outer space, with devices scheduled to be launched by Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, and already in orbit, where Bolivia has joined Venezuela and Mexico. 

This latter country constitutes a case of analysis in itself: its satellite market was the first to  be modified as a result of the new Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Act, result of a constitutional amendment that allowed the consolidation of a new actor: Eutelsat Americas. This subsidiary of Eutelsat replaced Satmex and the classifications of its satellites maintaining full operation of the fleet. 

In addition, the Mexican regulator approved a call and the basis of a public tender for concessions to occupy geostationary orbital positions: 116.8 degrees West and 113 degrees West and commercially exploit associated frequency bands C and Ku extended as well as the transmission and reception of signals for the provision of satellite capacity for the fixed service. 

Brazil, in early May 2014 tendered four orbital positions for the use of geostationary satellites for a 15-year period, renewable once only. The winning companies would have to provide coverage in 100% of the Brazilian territory and assign 36 MHz capacity to serve the country, which meant 25% of the transponders in each of the frequency bands. 

The main winner of the tender was SES, which was awarded two exploitation rights: one for C, Ku and Ka bands at 48 degrees West orbital position; another, for the Ku band in the 61 degrees West orbital position. Hispamar, meanwhile, won a license to exploit the Ku band in the 61 degrees West orbital position and Eutelsat at 69.45 degrees West position. 

In this country, after many devices lit the territory for the FIFA World Cup, the end of the tournament led to the rearrangement of footprints, which were once again distributed throughout the region. 

According to the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), sector revenues for 2013 increased 3% yoy and reached US$ 195.2 billion globally. Of these, the most important was the service segment, which grew 5% year over year to US$ 118.6 billion. 

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