Satellite Internet Forum 2002
Conference Agenda
Friday, December 6

8:00 am

Conference Begins
Chair's Opening Remarks

Steve Blum
President
Tellus Venture Associates

8:15 am

Satellite Internet for Consumers and the Enterprise

A number of satellite Internet systems have been proposed - several have dropped by the wayside, a few have been launched and some remain on the development board. What can be learned from those that have launched? What are the successes and what has worked in the marketplace? Can satellite-based Internet be profitable for the consumer or is the enterprise/service provider market (or segments within this market) the only place satellite can play successfully? Will Ka-band spot beam technology truly make a difference to the viability of these offerings? This session will look at what the industry must learn and do to be successful providing Internet access and services. And the areas and applications that are most in demand and are well-served by satellite will be examined.

10:00 am

Networking Break

10:15 am

Case Study: Satellite Banking and Broadband Internet

Banks are looking for new IP based networks where they can offer Internet access and commercial data services. After reviewing several options with which to update their older technology, some banks chose a satellite solution that can offer services to any branch or location independent of the existence or quality of terrestrial infrastructure. The chosen solution provided the flexibility that allowed the bank to offer their services to Internet access companies (ISPs and Cyber Cafes) and traditional data network users such as banks, financial institutions and businesses.

The case study focuses on the challenges faced by banks and financial services firms to provide banking services combined with other commercial services, and it examines the reasons for choosing a satellite-based solution. The following questions will be addressed:

- What does it take to operate a satellite based broadband network?

- How do you converge existing legacy networks with today's broadband applications?

- What value added services can be offered?

- What is the business model that makes this a viable business proposition?

11:00 am

Case Study: Satellite Internet for the Oil and Gas Industry

Satellite communications has been used in the oil and gas industry for their connectivity needs for over a decade. It has been used in all aspects of the business, from exploration and production, at the pipeline, and even at the gas pump point of sale. Satellite communications offers the ability to operate in some of the most remote and inhospitable locations around the world. Whether exploring from ships and platforms at sea or in remote tropical forests, connectivity of voice, data and video between work sites and corporate operations centers is vital to maintaining efficiency and schedules. New all-digital, IP-centric satcom networks offer the flexibility, portability and ruggedness required for worldwide operations. As new applications and technologies emerge allowing the oil and gas industry to improve production and exploration efficiencies, these will also impact the requirements on the satellite communication technology. Ms. Keefe will present the current state of satellite communications as used in this industry for exploration and production of oil and gas, and discuss the application of new satellite communication technologies to meet the needs of the industry moving forward.

12:00 noon

Luncheon

1:30 pm

Content Distribution, Streaming and Multicasting with Satellites

The emergence of digital content formats for different media types presents broadcasters and content developers with the opportunity to generate additional revenue streams by re-purposing content.  These revenue opportunities come in the form of being a part of the value chain of new data broadcast applications including, but not limited to:   transfer of large files, software distribution, database replication, high-value content distribution, distance learning, and music.  Satellites are an ideal technology for utilizing IP Multicasting to distribute, stream and cache this digital content.  A panel of experts will discuss these developments and how content delivery technologies via satellite can produce new sources of  revenue.

2:30 pm

Close of Conference