The summit began with a focus on satellite investments, comprising talks from the preeminent financial analysts and financiers from all the major investment houses in the US and Europe.

All agreed that fixed satellite services (FSS) continue to be the stronghold of the industry, but that other services, notably digital audio radio services (DARS) are showing great promise.

Furthermore, broadband and high-definition television continue to lead the way as sources of future industry growth.

A panel discussion featured Eutelsat chairman and CEO Giuliano Berretta.

Berretta and representatives of all major FSS companies argued the benefits of size, comparing their strategies for success, and discussing the pending Intelsat/Loral deal. Another panel discussion focussed on the smaller, regional players and their challenges and successes in the past year.

In a striking contrast to last year, the overall mood of this World Summit for Satellite Financing conference is positive. This reflects the opinions of experts and practitioners alike that the worst of the satellite industry slump is over and that the recovery is underway.