Recently, we just finished work on our special 30th anniversary edition of Via Satellite where we looked back at some of the huge changes in our industry between 1986 and 2016. Certainly, it was interesting to once again put the spotlight on 1986 and look at how the world, as well as the satellite industry, has evolved. The consensus among people we spoke too was that the pace of change in the satellite industry over the next 30 years will really start to speed-up even more. We actually had a great feature talking with a number of Millennials in our industry about what they expect to see over the next 30 years. The edition is well worth checking out.

We are finding within Via Satellite that we are covering the NextSpace/NewSpace area a lot more than we have done previously. In fact, we aim to give this sector far more regular coverage within Via Satellite in 2017 than in past years. In this first Via Satellite edition of 2017, we put the spotlight on four up and coming companies, all of which have ambitious plans to shake up our sector. There are some incredibly bright young minds working in space, and this feature examines their ideas, as well as their business plans to bring new capabilities to space.

Speaking of hot topics, nowadays the satellite industry seems like it is permanently fighting and needing new spectrum, particularly when it comes to offering data intensive services. What is interesting is that, over the last two years, discussions have started to heat-up around new bands like Q and V. We have a feature written by Helen Jameson looking at these new bands and what the possible next steps might be.

As we start the year, I would like to wish the readers of Via Satellite a happy holidays, and we hope 2017 will be a great year for you and your company. We look forward to being at the sharp end of major changes in our industry and bringing you the intelligence you need to help with your plans. VS