Advanced Television

Inside Satellite

Chris Forrester

Chris Forrester is one of the most experienced and highly regarded journalists in the field. His insight and analysis, particularly in the satellite and pay-TV arena, is highly prized. He has written for all the major business journals in the sector as well as several national newspapers.

SpaceX lines up banks for IPO

SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) is being lined up. Four investment banks have been named by the FT to handle the blockbuster float which is widely reported to be likely to end up with SpaceX valued at some $1.5 trillion (€1.2tn) – the largest ever public float. The named banks are Bank of America, Goldman […]

January 23, 2026

SES to FCC: “Don’t auction more than 160 MHz of C-band”

The FCC has suggested selling off as much as 180 MHz of satellite upper C-band spectrum in its upcoming auction. However, satellite operator SES, which now controls the bulk of the spectrum likely to be auctioned, is appealing to the FCC to keep the auction to no more than 160 MHz. “Clearing the maximum 180 […]

January 22, 2026

Morgan Stanley downgrades Iridium

Investment bank Morgan Stanley, reportedly a front-runner bank to handle an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for SpaceX’s Starlink – has downgraded satellite operator Iridium and has cut its former price steeply from $37 to $24 and a new share price target for Iridium. The bank advised clients that its outlook for Iridium shifts from ‘Overweight’ […]

January 20, 2026

SpainSat-NG II a total loss

It has been determined that the space particle that hit the SpainSat-NG II satellite struck it in a vital area, meaning that it cannot perform its mission as planned. Hisdesat, the government-focused division of Hispasat, has already given the go-ahead to build the SpainSat-NG III satellite to replace it. The 6,000 kgs satellite is likely […]

January 19, 2026

SES warns of risks for airlines adopting Starlink

Satellite operator SES already serves dozens of airlines and thousands of aircraft with its solution for in-flight Wi-Fi and broadband. The company has seen a slew of airlines switching from SES (and rival geostationary operators Viasat and Eutelsat) to Starlink. SES says these airlines are risking their in-flight service by selecting Starlink and its ‘all […]

January 16, 2026

Starlink facing backlash in South Africa

South African–born Elon Musk has worked hard over the past few months in attempts to gain permission to launch SpaceX’s Starlink broadband–by–satellite service in South Africa. But far from nearing those permissions, there are signs that he still has a mountain to climb. Local reports say that political party Rise Mzansi’s leader, Songezo Zibi, and […]

January 14, 2026

China wants 200,000 satellites

China has filed paperwork with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for a truly mega-constellation of 200,000 satellites. Chinese authorities have also called for greater transparency in the satellite sector and closer coordination. According to the ITU, multiple Chinese satellite operators submitted applications for more than 200,000 satellite frequencies during the final week of 2025. This […]

January 13, 2026

Bank raises view on AST to $100 

Analysts at the Bank of America have increased their price target for AST SpaceMobile from $85 (€72.8m) to $100 per share. The bank’s report to clients said: “2025 was a watershed year for LEO. We expect the momentum to intensify in 2026 as providers like AST and Starlink jockey to offer full cellular service and […]

January 13, 2026

Frost & Sullivan cites Hughes as #1

EchoStar-owned Hughes Network Systems has been named a Leader in Managed SD-WAN Services by Frost & Sullivan. Frost & Sullivan also recognised Hughes with its 2025 Customer Value Leadership Award for its secure hybrid connectivity and comprehensive service model. Hughes, said Frost & Sullivan, has proven its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly […]

January 12, 2026

Verizon cutting prices

Verizon, the US wireless carrier company, trimmed its multi-line prices somewhat in December, but has now made a further discount available. Sam McHugh, an equity analyst at BNP-Paribas, says Verizon has added a $10 promotional discount to its advertised prices which had only just been cut. McHugh, in a note to clients, says: “The price […]

January 11, 2026