I have just returned from SATELLITE 2016 which once again was an outstanding event that showcased the best of the satellite industry. It was great to see more young people than ever before attend and bring much needed new energy and dynamism to the industry. The SGx event at SATELLITE, directed at the new generation coming into the industry, was one of the big successes of the show.

As we head toward NAB, one of the signature broadcast events of the year, satellite’s place in the broadcast landscape will be a key talking point. While it is great to talk about verticals like aeronautical, oil and gas, maritime, and telecommunications, broadcast is still the “lifeblood” for many FSS operators. However, with the onset of OTT alternatives, competition is getting really intense. In this edition of Via Satellite, we talk to some key DTH players about the OTT threat and how they will look to stay relevant in this current environment.

On the subject of relevancy, it is funny to me that, at every trade show, new buzz terms tend to emerge. “Staying relevant” has been a phrase that has been increasingly used at satellite events recently, as the industry fights for its place in the communications ecosystem going forward. My favorite new term at SATELLITE, which was used on more than one occasion, was “secret sauce,” which I guess is the key for companies that look to build more powerful satellites going forward.

SATELLITE has now kick-started the year, and I think over the next 12 months we will see some amazing announcements as the industry looks to really make a statement with some of its new initiatives. I have a feeling we are in for quite a ride this year. VS