What: Satellite communications and TV technology
Why you should care: Satellite communications projects with grand visions mostly became expensive failures during the last decade, while satellite TV found huge success that was tempered by the rising telco-cable duopoly. Now, IP-based satellite broadband networks are seen as viable remote networking and disaster recovery options, and telcos, led by AT&T's reported interest in buying EchoStar, seem more interested in making pay TV satellite networks part of their IPTV strategies.
Who's using it: Verizon just launched a new global satellite communications service; AT&T already has partnerships with EchoStar for TV and Wildblue for broadband access; European telco also have been broadening satellite TV partnerships.
For more:
- Telephony reports on Verizon Business' new satellite offering