In a joint report the companies have outlined and analyzed the results of a campaign to measure Ku-band satellite transponder loading in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Of the nearly 1,000 Ku-band transponders measured in the high-growth Middle East and North Africa regions, 25 of 37 orbital positions had 100% of transponders fully or partially used. Certain positions appeared to be fully saturated at the time of measurement.

Capacity shortages in these orbital positions - which are primarily used for video broadcast - clearly reflect the growth in these regions.

The Middle East and North Africa have been among the most dynamic emerging digital broadcast markets, while sustained demand for telecom services and limited additions of satellite capacity have also contributed to the current capacity shortage.

"These very high levels of measured usage give us a clear indication of the dynamics supporting capacity prices in the MENA region, since additional capacity may also have been leased but unused at the time of measurement. In addition, the detailed nature and breakdown by operator provides unprecedented insight into the competitive positions of market players in Europe and the MENA region," said Pacome Revillon, Managing Director of Euroconsult.

"In the last few months, new demand for capacity in the MENA region by media, telecom, and military users outpaced available supply by four, while development and usage in the European market remained strong" added Jean-Francois Gambart, CEO of The London Satellite Exchange.

"The extension of the measurement system implemented this year allowed us a more complete view of the European and MENA regions resulting in nearly 120 satellites tracked for the surveys."

Despite these overall trends market disparities persist between leading orbital positions providing video distribution services and less developed positions primarily serving the voice and data markets.

These differences are reflected by the average fill rates of satellites tracked and by the mix of capacity usage observed in both transponders and MHz, These metrics have a direct impact on the price of capacity and value of orbital positions, two key factors in operators' performance.

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