NSR Report Finds Satellite Capacity Pricing Plunges 18% on Average from 2018-2019
Data Networks Most Affected, but Lower Prices Also Unlocking Demand in Many Emerging Markets and Applications
Cambridge, MA – NSR’s Satellite Capacity Pricing Index, 5th Edition (2019), released today, finds accelerated pricing decline across operator segments, with a global average decline of 18% over the past 12 months. NSR’s Global Mean Price Index for video declined by 7.1%, mobility by 13%, with the data segments declining by as much as 24%. The key driver for such a large market correction is attributed to cheap and bulk supply of HTS capacity that has rendered legacy satellites increasingly obsolete. Increasing backhaul, cruise, and broadband deployments have given a boost to the capacity demand, albeit underscoring the topline through price elasticity.
NSR projects video will continue to decline at a faster rate of 11% in 2019-2020 on account of increased compression rates and high market saturation. Mobility is also expected to decline faster with developing country opportunity and increase of cruise bandwidth demand in the total maritime market share. “These drivers mark a key shift in satcom dynamics and represent not only a commoditized market but also a higher rate of capacity commoditization than anticipated in 2018. Operators have been slow in transitioning to service business lines, keeping hinged on legacy lean organizational structures, while service providers look to ramp up growth in aero-backhaul-consumer segments for a 4th straight year,” states Gagan Agrawal, report author.
While prices are falling, regions of significant demand still exist across developing countries for backhaul and village Wi-Fi that may support marginal revenue increase via volume deals, whereas Aero and Gov/Mil segments will continue to grow in under-served regions and drive profitability – but only for the right asset match. Operators will need to strengthen tiered pricing and improve efficiency via inclined orbit, localised HTS payloads or Non-GEO assets. Focus on increasing demand through price elasticity remains paramount to growth, and enabling new sub-verticals in aero, broadband and Gov/Mil could give operators an upper hand to differentiate premium vs volume offerings.
About the Report
NSR’s Satellite Capacity Pricing Index, 5th Edition (2019), provides the industry’s leading and longest running analysis of satellite capacity pricing worldwide. SCPI5 study covers all major applications under Video and DTH Broadcasting, Data networks including Backhaul and Broadband, Mobility and Gov-Mil segments, across 10 regions of the world and FSS and HTS frequency bands. The report is unparalleled on the depth of insight provided through index prices, ranges and forecasts. Both NSR’s proprietary SCPI5 pricing tool and analysis are definitive resources to predict the near to medium term scenarios for the industry and differentiate regional/vertical based forecasts to answer strategic questions on the evolving business models in the satcom industry. NSR’s SCPI5 is a multi-client report now available from NSR.
For additional information on this report, including a full table of contents, list of exhibits and executive summary, please visit www.nsr.com or call NSR at +1-617-674-7743.
About NSR
NSR is the leading global market research and consulting firm focused on the satellite and space sectors. NSR’s global team, unparalleled coverage and anticipation of trends with a higher degree of confidence and precision than the competition is the cornerstone of all NSR offerings. First to market coverage and a transparent, dependable approach sets NSR apart as the key provider of critical insight to the satellite and space industries. Contact us at info@nsr.com to discuss how we can assist your business.
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