Post-War Opportunities in Satellite Communications

By Bruce Elbert, President, Application Technology Strategy, Inc.

As published in SatMagazine, April, 2003.

We are in the midst of a major conflict the duration of which remains uncertain. It could be the fastest action of this type and one in which satellite technology plays a pivotal role. Our industry exists within this reality, benefiting in one direct way, but obviously taking its lumps in many others. The Big Picture is likely to be that this is but another blip on the Radar screen of the new century, probably of less impact than 9/11 and the burst of the dot com bubble. I would hope that this is the case.

But, the war is proving the value of our services and systems like none before it. We are given live video accounts from Baghdad – not just voice – and we follow the allied forces as they speed through the desert. Never before has the news channel “talking head” been able to interview their counterparts who are direct witnesses, giving us the same perspective.

In the background, mobile and broadband satellite communications provides voice, video and data services to allied forces in the region as well as the news organizations who make the coverage possible. Satellites, that were begging for users, are filled to capacity to serve this market.

Now, what happens when the action is over and, we hope, life returns to normal? My first job was as a communications officer during the Vietnam conflict. Unlike Operation Iraqi Freedom, Vietnam lasted many years and cost far more in treasure and lives. When all was said and done, the US economy began an expansion unparalleled in world history. Technology also accelerated – satellites played a small role in Vietnam, but I had the good fortune of joining Comsat in 1969 and saw the dramatic development of our industry during the ensuing decade. Projects like Westar, Palapa A, SBS and Galaxy provided the strong foundation for what today is a $60 billion industry.

The Middle East, in particular, is one in which satellite communications already serves vital needs. Thuraya, based in the UAE, began operation in 2001 and is now employed by Inmarsat to offer its popular Regional BGAN “always on” medium data rate Internet access service. Availability of broadband VSAT products and satellite capacity that will become available as hostilities end are going to produce attractive opportunities to businesses and help develop national and regional infrastructure. I’m an optimist and I can foresee how satellite communications will provide the key to rebuilding in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other nations in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia still gaining a hold on their future. We in the industry have only to figure out how to make our technology and services more readily available to those who need them.

Application Technology Strategy, Inc. is based in Thousand Oaks, CA, and was founded by Bruce Elbert, leading satellite communications consultant and educator.