Adapting to the evolving landscape of satellite technology in broadcast

In a rapidly shifting technological environment, satellite technology remains a cornerstone of the broadcasting industry. The transition towards IP distribution and the emergence of innovative solutions such as Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels are transforming the way content is delivered and consumed.

Pascale Fromont, VP and General Manager of Media at Intelsat, began her journey in the media and satellite industry over two decades ago, with a significant portion of her career at Intelsat. Fromont’s extensive experience has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s dynamics. “I’ve been in this role for a couple of years, but I’ve been with the company for 20 years in different roles. Moving around has given me a great big picture of everything that’s going on,” she says. Her passion for satellite technology and the media industry is evident as she discusses the powerful role that satellites play in connecting people and delivering content globally.

Current state of satellite in broadcasting

Satellite technology continues to play a crucial role in both contribution and distribution within the broadcasting industry. According to Fromont, it remains highly efficient for one-to-many distribution scenarios. “When you have wide beams that cover entire continents and you’re trying to reach cable headends, broadcast towers, or even direct to home, satellite is just very powerful,” she says.

Despite the growing interest in terrestrial IP and fibre delivery, satellite technology still holds a significant advantage in scenarios involving extensive distribution points. Intelsat’s cable distribution business is particularly strong in regions like North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. “Customers are signing for long-term agreements. So yes, while there is a lot of hype about terrestrial IP, the reality is that as long as you have thousands or hundreds of thousands of endpoints to reach, satellite remains very relevant and efficient,” Fromont explains.

Impact of IP distribution and FAST channels

The shift towards IP distribution has been driven by the need for more flexible and cost-effective solutions. Intelsat has embraced this trend by developing a comprehensive IP and fibre network to complement its satellite services. Fromont highlights the importance of hybrid distribution models that combine satellite, fibre, and IP technologies to optimise service levels and costs for broadcasters. AT IBC2024, Intelsat announced that it had enhanced its IP distribution portfolio with the addition of IntelsatOne IP.

“Where I see the future is the combination of all these technologies to optimise the distribution network for any customer,” she says. “For example, a customer might use satellite for primary affiliates in the US and IP for a handful of affiliates in Europe. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of each technology and optimises the overall SLA and cost for the broadcaster.”

FAST channels are another significant development in the broadcasting landscape. These channels offer free, ad-supported content and have gained traction primarily on streaming platforms. However, Intelsat has successfully transmitted FAST channels via satellite in North America, reaching millions of households already tuned into free-to-air broadcasts. “Instead of having to find viewers, they’re already there. It’s very easy for them to pick up a new channel and we’re seeing a lot of success with that initiative,” says Fromont.

Read more Seamless and secure hybrid distribution from Intelsat

Benefits of satellite vs IP

While IP and fibre technologies offer flexibility and cost benefits, satellite technology provides unparalleled reach and reliability, particularly for contribution. Satellite is especially advantageous for geographic areas where terrestrial infrastructure may be lacking or impractical. “For high-stake content like live sports, satellite often serves as a reliable backup to fibre networks, ensuring uninterrupted coverage,” Fromont notes.

• Reliability and coverage: One of the most significant benefits of satellite over IP for contribution is reliability. Satellite networks are not dependent on terrestrial infrastructure, making them less susceptible to local outages and disruptions. This is crucial for live broadcasts and high-value events where any downtime can result in substantial revenue loss and viewer dissatisfaction.

• Scalability: Satellite technology is inherently scalable, capable of supporting thousands of simultaneous connections. This makes it ideal for large-scale broadcasts and events where high-quality, consistent signal distribution is necessary. IP networks, while flexible, often face bandwidth limitations and congestion, especially in areas with inadequate infrastructure.

• Speed of deployment: Setting up satellite connectivity can be faster than establishing extensive IP-based networks, especially in remote or disaster-stricken areas. This rapid deployment capability is critical for news organisations and broadcasters who need to cover events at a moment’s notice.

• Security: Satellite networks offer a high level of security, an essential factor for broadcasters handling sensitive or exclusive content. With dedicated bandwidth and less susceptibility to local cyber threats, satellites ensure that the transmitted content remains secure and uninterrupted.

Potential of LEO Satellites in Broadcasting

The resurgence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has made an impact on the industry. Unlike traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites, LEO satellites offer lower latency and can provide coverage in previously hard-to-reach areas. Freemont says that Intelsat has embraced a multi-orbit strategy, leveraging both GEO and LEO to deliver optimized services.

The benefits of leveraging LEO and GEO together include:

• Lower latency and high bandwidth: One of the primary advantages of LEO satellites is their significantly lower latency compared to GEO satellites. This is particularly beneficial for real-time applications such as live sports broadcasting and remote production. LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, reducing the signal travel time and providing a more responsive connection. When combined with GEO satellites, which offer higher bandwidth and broader coverage, the network can balance the demands of latency-sensitive and high-throughput applications.

 

• Pole-to-pole coverage: LEO satellites provide improved coverage in polar regions where GEO satellites struggle due to their equatorial orbit. This ensures that remote and high-latitude areas receive reliable service, expanding the reach of broadcasting networks to previously underserved regions. For instance, events taking place in the Arctic or Antarctic can benefit from seamless connectivity, which is critical for news coverage and scientific expeditions.

 

• Redundancy and reliability: The multi-orbit approach enhances network reliability by providing redundancy. If a GEO satellite experiences an issue, the LEO constellation can take over, ensuring continuous service. This redundancy is vital for high-stake content and live broadcasts where any downtime can result in significant revenue loss and viewer dissatisfaction. The ability to dynamically switch between orbits based on real-time conditions ensures a more robust and dependable service.

 

• Advanced antenna technology: The use of electronically steerable antennas (ESA) further amplifies the benefits of the multi-orbit strategy. These antennas can automatically switch between LEO and GEO satellites, providing uninterrupted service as they dynamically adjust to the best available signal. This is particularly useful for mobile broadcasting units, such as those used in outdoor events, sports, and disaster response scenarios. The compact and portable nature of ESA technology makes it easier to deploy and manage in various field conditions.

• Flexible and dynamic resource allocation: Software-defined satellites add another layer of flexibility by allowing operators to dynamically allocate resources and adjust beam configurations in real-time. This means that broadcasters can scale up bandwidth and coverage as needed, for instance, during major live events or in response to sudden demand surges. The ability to reconfigure beams on the fly enables broadcasters to provide high-quality service even in challenging environments.

Fromont emphasises the significance of these advancements: “The combination of multi-orbit satellites with advanced antennas and software-defined capabilities opens up new possibilities for media applications, including private 5G networks for events. This hybrid approach ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our customers, providing both the high reliability of GEO satellites and the low latency and extensive coverage of LEO satellites.”

 

Integration of 5G in satellite technology

The integration of 5G technology with satellite networks has the potential to revolutionise the broadcasting industry by offering enhanced connectivity, flexibility, and efficiency. Intelsat is working on a 5G core that is compatible with terrestrial networks, enabling seamless connectivity between satellite and terrestrial infrastructures.

 

• Enhanced connectivity: By integrating 5G, satellite operators can provide faster data rates and lower latency, which are crucial for high-definition video streaming and real-time broadcasting.

• Private 5G networks: One of the most exciting applications of 5G integration is the creation of private 5G networks for specific events or locations. Fromont explains: “The next generation network that Intelsat is developing has a 5G core compatible with 5G networks on the ground. This allows us to create private 5G networks for events like golf tournaments, where cameras can spread across a wide area and communicate seamlessly through the private network.”

• Seamless roaming: The compatibility of Intelsat’s 5G core with terrestrial networks allows for seamless roaming between satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. Broadcasters can maintain continuous connectivity, whether they are using terrestrial 5G networks or satellite links.

• Cost efficiency: By leveraging the massive industry of 5G chips and components, satellite operators can reduce costs and improve the affordability of satellite services, making advanced satellite connectivity more accessible to broadcasters and media companies.

• Improved spectrum utilisation: 5G technology allows for better spectrum utilisation, enabling satellite networks to handle more simultaneous connections and higher data volumes. This efficiency is critical for broadcasters who need to manage multiple streams and deliver content to diverse audiences without compromising on quality or performance.

Fromont believes that satellite technology will continue to play a vital role even as IP and fibre solutions gain prominence. She stresses that the future lies in hybrid distribution models that combine the strengths of satellite, fibre, and IP technologies.

Watch more Intelsat updates next-generation satellite solution