WLP&Co has compiled up-to-date status of systems, frequency assignments, orbital allocations, satellite manufacturers, launch dates, and service offerings.
For example, there are 42 commercial Ka-band transponders in orbit at end 2002;
about 80 Ka-band transponders will be launched in 2003,
followed by at least 68 more in 2004.
So, there will be about 190 commercial Ka-band transponders in orbit by end 2004.
There will be a dramatic increase in commercial Ka-band capacity for North America:
- from 2 at end 2002 to 128 transponders by end 2004 (assuming successful launches).

 There is a general trend for commercial satellite operators to add Ka-band capacities in small to medium increments along with larger payloads: Telesat, Echostar, SES Americom, EUTELSAT, iPStar, Superbird, EuroSkyWay and HisdeSat.

 But three operators have many transponders being launched: Telesat’s ANIK F2 with 38 active transponders with capacity for WildBlue, Loral’s TELSTAR 8 with 24 active, and Hughes Network System’s SPACEWAY with its all-Ka-band payload of 48 transponders (to be followed by another SPACEWAY, then also an in-orbit spare).

 Furthermore, at least three other large Ka-band satellites are in early stages of manufacture: GenStar for TRW/Northrop Grumman, Galaxy for PanAmSat, and Pegasus for Pegasus Development Corp.

 With several additional other systems being planned, even if only half make it through the business, financial and launch hurdles, there could be 50% more Ka-band transponders at end 2005.

The report provides the latest status of the First- and Second-Round filings at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

This report also covers government Ka-band payloads and future plans.

Service offerings are typically in three groups:
narrowband voice, fax and email,
multimedia services typically requiring two-way 64 kbps to 2 Mbps, and
broadband services such as digital TV and high-speed downloads.

Press contacts:

Ms. Ellen Hoff, President and CEO
e.hoff@WLPCO.com

Dr. Peter Nuspl, Senior Engineer
p.nuspl@WLPCO.com

Tel: 1 301-654-1144
Fax: 1 301-654-1814

This report has been prepared by WLP&Co as a multi-client report,
and is available in printed form for US$ 499 (plus applicable tax and posting charges).

W.L. Pritchard & Co., LC is a telecom engineering consulting company in Bethesda, MD, USA. We have extensive experience with engineering, regulatory and business plans for the introduction of communications satellite systems of all types. Our website is www.WLPCO.com