Communications Center - Communication Satellite Engineering and Consulting

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This analysis differs from all others because real data was independently obtained by a team from the Communications Center using an earth station located in Hong Kong. Thus, this report is independent of other studies that are dependent on reports from carriers or salespeople that may be a little too aggressive in their statements about capacity in use.

Tracking satellite loading is an ongoing activity at the Communications Center. The methodology for this study has evolved over 14 years of similar measurements of the U.S. and North American traffic. This monumental work required hundreds of measurements and use of technically sophisticated equipment to examine each satellite. We made these observations during the day, night and weekend hours. We logged and then classified the type(s) of traffic in each transponder into one of five specific classes: a) full transponder analog video, b) full transponder digital, c) multicarrier analog, d) multicarrier digital and e) no signal observed. This report summarizes the results.

This report is based on the regional traffic as seen from Hong Kong. Hong Kong was selected based on the maximum number of coverage beams from the regional satellites. Only the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) satellites are covered. The C-band downlinks cover 3.4 to 3.7 GHz while the newer Ku-band uses frequencies in the 10.7 to 12.7 GHz ranges.

· Q1 There were published reports in 1998 and 1999 about a glut of satellite transponders in Asia as the combined result of the conversion from analog TV to compressed digital and the Asian economic crisis. What is the situation now?

· A1 At C-band we found almost three-quarters of the capacity in use. Many satellites were more than 90% filled. At Ku-band slightly over half of the capacity was observed to be in use, however additional users may be in remote beams that could not be seen from Hong Kong.

· Q2 High fill factors (occupancy rates) create safe investments. Which satellites have fill factors over 90%?

· A2 There are seven satellites at C-band and three at Ku-band in this situation.

· Q3 Several operators claim to be filled up. What is the real situation?

· A3 See the text for real observations using an Earth Station in Hong Kong. Our observations are independent of stories told by salespeople or those seeking your money.

· Q4 Spectrum is very important these days. Unlike most U.S. satellites, it seems as though each Asian satellite has a different number of transponders. Who really has the most spectrum and the greatest number of transponders in orbit?

· A4 The text tabulates the answers and provides the results in a graphical form.

Spacecraft Manufactures and Launch Vehicle Providers need Answers:

· Q5 When will an operator need a new satellite to be made and launched?

· A5 Generally, when a satellite is nearing the 80% fill factor it is time to place another order. Assuming a two-year delivery, the existing satellite will be completely filled by that time. The fill factor of each observable satellite is provided. At C-band there are 11 candidates and at Ku-band there are five more.

· Q6 Will these new satellites be all-C, all-Ku or hybrids?

· A6 See the text for each operator.

· Q7 What are the typical transponder quantities?

· A7 See the text and Figures. This data provides clues about the number of future transponders (frequencies, quantity and power). From this it is possible to make early estimates of the satellite mass, the cost range and type of satellite bus and launch vehicle needed.

· Q8 In Asia, there are two parts of the C-band and three at Ku-band. How have users accepted each portion?

· A8 This is tabulated by satellite and is the subject of a special section.

· Q9 Transponder bandwidths vary from 27 to 72 MHz. Which are the most popular?

· A9 This is discussed at the individual satellite and Asian levels.

What do Manufacturers of Earth Stations and Ancillary Equipment Need to Know?

· Q10 How far has Asia moved towards the conversion to digital services? Compared to the United States domestic satellites, who is further ahead?

· A10 At C-band, 72.23% of the transponders in use carry digital traffic. At Ku-band the percentage is still higher (91.28%). Both are far higher than U.S. domestic satellites.

· Q11 Are transponders available to support new services?

· A11 Yes, at both C- and Ku-bands.

· Q12 I need to know to specify an earth station antenna size. How close are adjacent satellites?

· A12 The satellite spacings vary from 1.5 to over three degrees. There are coordination problems in Asia.

Satellite Operator Questions:

· Q13 What is my competitor doing?

· A13 The type of traffic on every visible satellite is categorized by type, frequency band and sub-band.

· Q14 Who has the market lead in each type of transponder usage?

· A14 Provided in the text.

· Q15 Which other satellite operator is a joint venture or acquisition candidate?

· A15 It depends on your goals. Market shares, traffic mixes, satellite ages, locations, fill factors, etc. are all provided.

· Q16 Where is there spare capacity available if my system had an in-orbit or launch failure? What if I cannot wait for a new satellite to expand my offerings, where can I lease capacity for a few years?

· A16 This is tabulated at the operator and individual satellite levels.

· Q17 Competitors “X” and “Y” claim they are the leading providers. My staff says we are. Who is right?

· A17 This report provides an unbiased, independent report.

Broadband and Multimedia Providers

· Q18 With over 25 GHz of FSS Asian capacity in orbit and observed, will Asia be able to support new services at Ku-band as a precursor to Ka-band?

· A18 Yes.

Internet Services

· Q19 Which operator has the greatest experience with multicarrier transponder operations?

· A19 See the text at Sections 2.2.5 and 2.3.5.

VSAT Services

· Q20 Were transponders with VSAT and other services noted?

· A20 Yes, but to preserve user privacy, their transponders are not identified in this report.

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