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FSS industry revenues decline in 2002: Euroconsult
LONDON: The consolidated revenues for fixed satellite services (FSS) companies in 2002 has actually dropped, says Euroconsult’s latest analysis.
In the 10th edition of its World Satellite Communications and Broadcasting market survey, Euroconsult found that the consolidated revenues for FSS operators fell by six per cent to $6.3 billion in 2002. Despite the decline in revenues, the FSS industry remained a profitable business in 2002, with average industry margins of about 73 per cent for EBITDA, 38 per cent for operating profit (EBIT), and 24 percent for net profit, Euroconsult said.
The analysis says that the FSS industry experienced two consecutive years of decline (a three percent fall was recorded in 2001) for the first time in its history. The revenue drops were attributed to stagnant transponder demand and decreasing transponder lease prices.
After more than 20 years of growth, transponder demand decreased by 0.9 per cent in 2001, and grew only slightly (2.5 per cent) in 2002, Euroconsult said.
Broadcasters, telcos, and ISPs – the main users of satellite services – have been hurt by the economic downturn of the past two years, the firm said.
During that time, the most established transponder markets – video and telephony – experienced a lull while Internet trunking continued to grow.
And there’s significant growth potential for transponder demand.
In the next 10 years, growth should be driven by TV/video and by Internet services, both for trunking and direct access, Euroconsult said.
By 2012, transponder demand should reach 7,791 units, of which 52 per cent will be for TV and video, 26 per cent for Internet and the remaining 22 per cent for voice and data traffic.
Growth in satellite TV should boost demand for Ku-Band transponders, the firm said. The number of transponders leased in Ku-Band may grow to 4,593 transponders by 2012, from 2,685 in 2002. The Ku-Band market share should grow from 52 per cent in 2002 to 59 per cent in 2012.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
