The Satellite World Briefing

As AI workloads push compute closer to the edge, the networks underneath them are being asked to do more than ever before, and in more places than fiber can readily reach. Data centers are racing to build multibillion-dollar facilities on timelines that terrestrial networks can’t always match, while mines, oil fields, and remote construction sites now rely on continuous cloud access to run automation. A single severed fiber ring or cut cable can halt production and revenue, making connectivity the lifeline of operations. Building resilient digital infrastructure means preparing a world where no single network is enough.

In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing Podcast, Sharedh Naicker, Managing Sales Director at SES, and guest host Marc Langston discuss how satellite is evolving from a niche backup option to a fundamental layer of enterprise connectivity. Naicker explains why multi-orbit architecture combines the agility of LEO with the stable backbone of GEO and MEO, and why AI agents, which can use four to five times the bandwidth of their human counterparts, are driving demand for uplink capacity. Additionally, they look at how satellite can expedite the construction and commissioning of data centers by providing a secure, monitored link months or even years before fiber arrives, then shift into a standby role once the site is live.

As cyber-attacks, AI, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving privacy requirements reshape the risk landscape, organizations must rethink how they protect critical data and maintain business continuity. Sovereign Enterprise is emerging as an extension of data sovereignty, addressing not only where data is stored, but how it is protected, controlled, and transported across networks. For enterprises and government organizations, maintaining visibility, trust, and predictable access throughout that journey is becoming an increasingly important part of network resilience.

In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing, we discussed the emerging Sovereign Enterprise framework with Gerry Collins, Director of Product Management, Enterprise at SES. Collins discussed the evolving risk landscape that organizations are facing, reasons why traditional approaches to data protection may no longer be enough, and the considerations organizations should look at to strengthen resilience and security of their global connectivity. He also talked about how organizations can access their network architecture, including satellite connectivity, private networks, teleports, and different satellite orbits to determine where greater security, control, and resilience are required.

The energy industry is going through a fundamental transformation. Connectivity has become mission-critical operational infrastructure as oil and gas operations transition from centralized, human-managed systems to fully autonomous, remotely controlled assets. From deepwater platforms and remote drilling sites to distributed pipeline networks, the stakes have never been higher, and a connectivity failure can now mean losing control of an entire process. The question is: how can the industry architect truly resilient networks that keep operations running 24/7?

In this episode of the Satellite World Briefing podcast, we are joined by Maarten Verhaegh, who leads the Energy and Resources Practice at SES, to explore how global energy operations are reshaping requirements of network connectivity. We discuss how connectivity has changed from a utility to a mission-critical infrastructure, why deterministic networks matter more than raw speed, how a multi-orbit approach can solve diverse operational needs, and why the answer to data growth isn’t building bigger pipes but bringing intelligence to the edge.

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.