The Satellite World Briefing

One of the world’s oldest and most essential industries, mining, is going through a major digital transformation. Satellite connectivity has become a crucial enabler of this transition as autonomous equipment, remote operations, and real-time monitoring reshape how mining sites operate in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. The industry is moving from fragmented, tactical technology deployments to integrated IT/OT systems and multi-orbit architectures that deliver the right connectivity for every application, and unified operational visibility. In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, John McCann, Director of Natural Resources & Telecom Practices at SES, explores how satellite connectivity is changing the mining industry. John takes us through the critical technological shifts reshaping mining operations, the role of multi-orbit connectivity in addressing the latency and bandwidth needed for everything from autonomous drilling systems to IoT sensors, and how satellite solutions are bridging the IT/OT convergence challenge. Additionally, he shares his vision for a future where satellite connectivity operates as an equal partner alongside terrestrial networks and 5G, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of global connectivity.

As SATShow 2026 approaches, the satellite industry is entering a new era not only defined by rapid technological evolution but by a pivotal reckoning with long-term financial sustainability. The industry is competing, building, and proving itself like never before as multi-orbit architectures mature, direct-to-device services expand, and commercial players reshape how the market is evaluated. In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, Jeffrey Hill, Chairman of the Satellite Show, gives listeners a sneak peek at what to expect at this year’s event. Hill walks us through the key trends that are dominating the industry, like multi-orbit versus LEO, sovereign systems, protected SATCOM on the government and military side, and the evolving use cases for commercial connectivity. He also shares how AI is subtly becoming embedded into satellite operations and why this year’s Forum represents a shift in the way the industry tells its own story.

The past year marked a period of significant progress across the satellite and connectivity landscape. In this first episode of 2026, The Satellite World Briefing podcast revisits the conversations from 2025 that encapsulated this momentum. Industry leaders discussed how software-defined satellites, hybrid satellite-IP networks, and next-generation mobility solutions are reshaping connectivity in broadcast, mobile, maritime, and aviation markets. These conversations revealed that new operational models and increased performance expectations are driving a growing convergence between terrestrial and space networks.

Joshua Flood, Co-Founder and Director of Maritime at Valour Consultancy, joins our host in this episode of the Satellite World Briefing to give a preview of their Future of Maritime Connectivity 2025 Report. Flood covers a wide range of issues, including the growing significance of multi-orbit and hybrid connectivity architectures for today’s fleets, the main drivers behind broadband adoption at sea, and the critical role that collaboration plays throughout the satellite ecosystem. In the era of emerging LEO constellations, he further explores the ongoing development of Ku-band and GEO services and highlights the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the industry.

In the second episode of  Satellite World Briefing’s new media mini-series, Ruben Calzadilla, Senior Technical Advisor at SES, and Dr. Ciro Noronha, President of the RIST Forum and Chief Technology Officer at Cobalt Digital, join host Lucas Hunsicker to discuss the advantages of hybrid satellite and IP delivery, why public internet alone cannot ensure reliability, and how broadcasters can future-proof content distribution with backward-compatible methods. As Calzadilla said: “Satellite handles scale, internet ensures resiliency, and together, they form a model that’s both efficient and future-proof.”

The world of video content delivery is fascinating and constantly changing. Over recent years, it has seen a massive transformation fueled by rapid advancements in technology, changing the way video makes it to the TV screen. In the first episode of Satellite World Briefing’s new Media mini-series, host Lucas Hunsecker sits down with Pascale Fromont, Vice President and General Manager of Media at Intelsat, to unpack the evolving world of video delivery. From hybrid networks to global reach and real-time reliability, this episode explores the powerful—but often overlooked—infrastructure that keeps us connected and entertained.

“If you are truly going to connect the unconnected …you need to make sure every single device on Earth works seamlessly with a satellite in orbit.” – Dan Dooley, Lynk Global Chief Commercial Officer That was once considered a wild idea, but today, it's the foundation of one of the fastest-moving innovations in telecom. In this episode, we speak with Dan Dooley, Chief Commercial Officer of Lynk Global, to explore how their “cell tower in space” technology is not just technically possible but already being deployed with mobile network operators worldwide from the remote plains of South Africa to the north of Canada to the isolated islands of Palau. Lynk is pioneering direct-to-device satellite connectivity that integrates effortlessly with existing mobile infrastructure - no new phones, apps, or hardware required. We discuss how Lynk's regenerative payload design makes its satellites behave like roaming partners for MNOs, enabling easy network extension into hard-to-reach areas without additional ground infrastructure. From rural connectivity and disaster recovery to IoT and 2G sunset strategies, Dan breaks down why this is a transformational leap for mobile operators. Whether you're looking to reach new markets, improve service resilience, or unlock latent revenue from underutilized spectrum, this conversation shows why direct-to-device satellite is no longer the future—it’s the now.

In part two, we continue the conversation with Foster and Welch and dive further into the ways in which early adopters of IFC technologies like 2Ku are positioning themselves for the next wave of advancements, including low Earth orbit (LEO) and multi-orbit systems. Additionally, Foster and Welch break down how airlines are using IFC to improve operational efficiency and offer premium connectivity in strategic routes to exceed passenger expectations.

In both business and commercial aviation, seamless inflight connectivity (IFC) is becoming an expectation rather than luxury. In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, our host discussed the evolving landscape of IFC with Valour Consultancy Co-Founders & Senior Consultants Craig Foster and Daniel Welch. With the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) conference just around the corner, Foster and Welch dove into the latest trends shaping the industry, ranging from the impact of emerging technologies like next-generation air-to-ground and satellite networks to shifting passenger expectations. They also discussed how airlines and business aviation operators are adapting to meet the growing demand for connectivity, the role of loyalty programs in justifying IFC investments, and how advanced satellite solutions are democratizing high-speed connectivity for smaller aircrafts globally.

In this episode, of the Satellite World Briefing, host Lucas Hunsicker sits down with Greg Quiggle, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, to discuss the groundbreaking potential of SDS and the changes that need to be made on the ground to unlock their power. In our conversation with Greg, you will hear how these next-generation satellites are revolutionizing connectivity by enabling unprecedented flexibility to adapt in real time to shifting demands which ultimately leads to improved performance, better economics, and much better coverage around the world.

As we launch in 2025, the Satellite World Briefing podcast looks back on the impactful conversations that shaped 2024. Our episodes looked at cutting-edge satellite technology reshaping industries and unlocking new opportunities. From innovations in smart farming and inflight connectivity to the evolution of new space ecosystems and the ubiquitous network of the future, the Satellite World Briefing explored the top satellite and space news of today. Join our host Lucas Hunsicker as he reviews the key events that highlight how advancing technologies from space are shaping our world of tomorrow.

We’re taken on a journey into the future of telecommunications in the latest episode of The Satellite World Briefing, where the boundaries between satellite and cellular networks are blurred to create a seamless, connected world. Industry leaders Gerry Collins, Director of Product Management, and Ken Takagi, Director of Business Development join host Lucas Hunsicker to unpack the ambitious vision of the “Ubiquitous Network,” a transformative innovation that aims to deliver a global, high- performance broadband experience, seamlessly delivered through a single device regardless of the boundaries of today’s existing mobile networks.

In the latest episode of the Satellite World Briefing, our host speaks with Gerry Collins, Director of Product Management at Intelsat, and explores the innovative efforts in motion to integrate Ku-band frequency into 5G networks – a move led by Intelsat and set to revolutionize connectivity in underserved remote areas while opening opportunities for mobile network operators (MNOs)to protect their position in the marketplace and deliver more value to customers. Collins shares how Ku-band integration will provide mobile network operators with the tools they need to expand high-speed coverage well beyond the limitations of traditional networks while also moving us closer to interoperability across the space and cellular markets to create a more seamless customer experience.Ku-band integration will ultimately enable MNOs to support a variety of applications ranging from seamless roaming for vehicles in motion, from connected cars to heavy equipment and tractors to IoT devices on farms. Collins described how this integration makes it possible for users to switch between satellite and terrestrial networks without interruption, with a single device and billing account. Additionally, he discussed multi-orbit functionality, where satellites in different orbits fulfill specific needs – offering low latency for high demand applications and reliable coverage in more challenging locations.

Inflight internet has transformed the passenger experience, with advanced technologies like multi-orbit networks, electronically steered antennas, and virtualized systems allowing seamless streaming and browsing. But the benefits don’t stop there. In this episode, we explore how reliable in-flight connectivity enhances airline operations—optimizing routes, boosting efficiency, and ensuring safety for both passengers and crews. We’ll hear from Chad Gill, Principal Product Manager at Intelsat, and TJ Horsager, Captain and Head of the EFB Program at Sun Country Airlines, about how inflight connectivity drives innovation in fuel management, maintenance, scheduling, and air traffic control.

In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing Podcast, host Lucas Hunsicker dives back into the transformative world of smart farming with Laura and Pat Blomme, innovative farmers from Iowa. The second part of the podcast highlights the remarkable advancements in farming equipment technology. From tractors equipped with sophisticated monitors to seamless data integration, the Blommes share how these innovations enhance efficiency and productivity on their farm. They discuss the critical role of connectivity and data in making informed decisions and optimizing their operations. The episode also addresses the challenges of compatibility between different brands of equipment and the importance of choosing the right technology that aligns with their farm's unique needs. Laura and Pat's insights underscore the incredible potential of satellite technology in smart farming to meet future food demands sustainably while preserving traditional farming values.

With the world expected to add another two billion people by 2050, increasing food demand by 35 to 56 percent, agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges. To meet these demands, a number of farmers are turning to smart farming practices. In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing Podcast, host Lucas Hunsicker takes a deep dive into the world of Laura and Pat Blomme, small-scale farmers from Iowa, to explore how they are not just meeting these challenges but exceeding them. By leveraging satellite data, they optimize crop yields and livestock management while pioneering sustainable farming practices that promise to feed the future while preserving the environment.

Media technology and satellite infrastructure go hand-in-hand, but in today’s evolving landscape where emerging trends are replacing traditional infrastructures, how are satellite providers impacted and how can they evolve? Fred Boxa, Associate Director at AD Little, joins host Lucas Hunsicker to discuss these trends, such as subscription and ad-supported Video on Demand, as well as the challenges satellite providers face in adapting to the merging of traditional linear distribution and on-demand cloud-driven services, and the crucial role of managed services in optimizing costs and streamlining operations for media companies. Focusing on the global impact, this episode offers comprehensive insights into the trends shaping media technology and the pivotal role of satellite providers in shaping its trajectory.

In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, host Lucas Hunsicker sat down with Ben Griffin, Vice President of Mobility Services for Eutelsat OneWeb, who sheds light on how low-Earth orbit satellites as part of a multi-orbit network are transforming IFC offerings.

The first episode of the Satellite World Briefing podcast has launched and in it, we discuss the New Commercial Space Landscape. Edy Valdes, solutions architect with Intelsat, discusses “new space” and how organizations will leverage its global capabilities as a foundation for innovation and scalability.