{"id":46920,"date":"2026-06-02T23:51:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/from-capacity-to-capability-the-new-playbook-for-asia-pacific-operators\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T23:51:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:51:08","slug":"from-capacity-to-capability-the-new-playbook-for-asia-pacific-operators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/from-capacity-to-capability-the-new-playbook-for-asia-pacific-operators\/","title":{"rendered":"From Capacity to Capability: The New Playbook for Asia-Pacific Operators"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Regional operators are reinventing themselves. With the rise of megaconstellations and consolidation among global satellite operators \u2014 regional operators are rethinking their approach and turning toward orchestration and integration, while pressing their local advantages.<\/p>\n<p>Regional operators describe a shift in the competitive market from owning orbits and infrastructure to delivering solutions. Change is manifesting across their businesses in different ways, whether that\u2019s rethinking CapEx, striking new partnerships, or expanding into new business areas like Earth Observation (EO). <em>Via Satellite<\/em> interviewed five Asia-Pacific regional operators about how their businesses are evolving.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover-300x207.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover-800x551.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover-1536x1058.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover-640x441.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_Cover.jpg 1717w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the June\/July 2026 Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is the most difficult time, but most exciting and challenging in our minds,\u201d AsiaSat CEO Roger Tong says. Regional operators find themselves at an inflection point with rising customer expectations, intensifying global competition from both Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) operators, and competition from outside the satellite industry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe number one challenge for operators is accepting the fact that the old business models will never return and incremental improvements are not going to be sufficient,\u201d Tong says. \u201cRegional operators have to move forward and focus on horizontal and vertical cooperations, drive our cost down as a community to exert industry pressure on suppliers, increase agility, and integration of service deliveries but not as resellers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>By being \u201chyper local,\u201d regional operators have a unique role in terms of market access, landing rights, local infrastructure, customer relationships, and trusted engagements with their governments, says Thaicom CEO Nile Suwansiri.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e889b91;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e889b91 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e889b92').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e889b92'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor regional operators like Thaicom, our role is evolving from being a traditional satellite capacity provider to becoming a multi-orbit space services company,\u201d Suwansiri says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe right question is not whether regional operators can outspend global LEO constellations. We cannot, and we do not need to. The question is whether we can combine global space infrastructure with local trust, regulatory access, service delivery, and national capability. That is where regional operators remain highly relevant.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As GEO- and broadcast-centric business models are changing, KT SAT CEO Kevin Choi says the Korean satellite operator is shifting toward orchestration and integrating and operating across GEO, LEO, direct-to-device, terrestrial, cloud, and AI technologies<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe believe the future \u2018Operator 2.0\u2019 model will evolve beyond a traditional satellite operator into a multi-layer managed service provider. The key competitive advantage will be orchestration capability,\u201d Choi says. \u201cIn the future, success will depend less on how many assets an operator owns, and more on how effectively it can leverage ecosystems and partnerships to solve customer problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Starlink Fueling a Shift to Integrated Services <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Asia-Pacific satellite regional operators agree that Starlink has changed the expectations around satellite connectivity. Starlink has changed the industry in three ways, Suwansiri explains. It\u2019s raised customer expectations for satellite broadband to be simple, fast, and easy to activate. It has shown the value of vertical integration and has shown that satellite can be a scalable digital service.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_367678\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-367678\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-367678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/564000009898601-300x199.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/564000009898601-300x199.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/564000009898601-302x200.jpeg 302w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/564000009898601.jpeg 497w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-367678\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thaicom CEO Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri. Photo: Thaicom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRegional operators do not need to copy that [vertical integration] model entirely, but we must become much more software-driven and service-oriented,\u201d Suwansiri says. \u201cThe lesson is clear. The future operator must be faster, more customer-centric, and more integrated. We should not defend the old model. We should build the next one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many regional operators have partnered with Starlink, and Amazon Leo is gaining momentum in partnerships in this region as well. Measat, KT SAT, and Sky Perfect JSAT all serve as Starlink resellers in their respective countries,<\/p>\n<p>Thaicom made news in recent months as an early partner of Amazon Leo. For Suwansiri, the deal is an indication of Thaicom\u2019s shift to a multi-orbit space services company, and bringing together the benefits of LEO with the local expertise of a regional operator.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88a08b;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88a08b = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88a08c').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88a08c'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThaicom\u2019s recent partnership with Amazon Leo, where Thaicom acts as authorized distributor and landing-rights holder in Thailand, is a good example of this model \u2014 not passive resale, but a market-access and service-integration role built on local legitimacy and operational capability,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Measat Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim is firm in the belief that regional operators have not been relegated to the role of reseller; it\u2019s not a zero sum game between GEO and LEO.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFrom Measat\u2019s perspective, customers buy outcomes, not orbits,\u201d Lim says. \u201cGovernments, enterprises, mobility, and critical infrastructure users prioritize assured capacity, predictable performance, regulatory compliance, resilience, and long-term service continuity. GEO continues to play a critical role in these areas, while LEO offers clear but complementary advantages rather than a universal replacement. Partnering with LEO players can be a strategic choice, but it does not replace the value regional operators deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_440754\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-440754\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-440754 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leadership-yau_chyong_lim-300x300-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leadership-yau_chyong_lim-300x300-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/leadership-yau_chyong_lim-300x300-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-440754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yau Chyong Lim, COO of Measat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>Lim says that Measat takes a selective and partnership-driven approach to LEO, integrating LEO capabilities where it adds value like low-latency broadband, mobility, IoT, and EO, through hybrid, multi-orbit solutions.<\/p>\n<p>Operators see integration solutions as the path forward. For KT SAT, while the operator serves as the official Starlink partner in Korea, Choi says the company\u2019s focus is on integrating LEO connectivity and operating multiple networks for customers, not on selling LEO connectivity itself.<\/p>\n<p>KT SAT uses SD-WAN-based platforms such as XWAVE-ONE to provide optimized connectivity that\u2019s tailored to customer missions and requirements. \u201cWe believe the future role of regional operators will evolve from simple capacity resellers into operational partners that can integrate and manage diverse networks around customer missions,\u201d Choi says.<\/p>\n<p>Japanese operator Sky Perfect JSAT also points to the importance of orchestration and delivering value-added solutions. Teruo Yamashita, managing executive officer, and unit president of the Space Business Unit, tells <em>Via Satellite<\/em> that while Starlink has changed customer expectations, it has spurred the shift to a multi-orbit architecture. He and others pointed to the unique role of GEO.<\/p>\n<p>Sky Perfect JSAT is a Starlink reseller in Japan and is advancing discussions with Amazon LEO, Yamashita said.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88a57b;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88a57b = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88a57c').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88a57c'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile competition certainly exists in some areas, we see GEO and LEO becoming increasingly complementary. GEO remains highly effective for wide-area coverage, broadcast, resiliency, and high-capacity applications, while LEO provides advantages in low latency and mobility use cases,\u201d Yamashita says. \u201cThe future is less about \u2018GEO versus LEO,\u2019 but rather how to integrate multiple layers of infrastructure seamlessly.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A Global Push for Sovereign Space <\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s been a global push around sovereign space, for nations to secure their own access to space capabilities. While this trend has multiple layers and sovereign space access can take multiple forms, some regional operators see opportunity to meet the needs of their nations and regions. Regional operators take a broad view to what sovereignty means \u2014 beyond just owning assets in space.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe also believe that sovereign capability is not limited to owning satellites alone,\u201d Yamashita says. \u201cThe ability to integrate communications, EO, data analytics, and multi-orbit networks into operational solutions will become increasingly important for national resilience, disaster response, and security applications.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Yamashita pointed to Sky Perfect JSAT\u2019s involvement in an EO constellation effort in Japan, working with partners including QPS Research Institute to enhance EO capabilities through SAR and optical satellite integration.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_440755\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-440755\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-440755\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kevin-Choi-KT-SAT-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kevin-Choi-KT-SAT-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kevin-Choi-KT-SAT-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kevin-Choi-KT-SAT.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-440755\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kevin Choi, CEO of KT SAT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>KT SAT CEO Choi agrees \u2014 sovereign connectivity is a strategic domain for the company as Korea\u2019s leading satellite operator, but this doesn\u2019t mean the company will build every infrastructure independently, and the balance with cooperation is key.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn government and defense markets, customers are now prioritizing operational control, security, and resilience rather than simple connectivity alone. Demand is growing for architectures that can maintain communications even during disruptions or crisis situations,\u201d Choi says. \u201cKT SAT is strengthening its government and defense capabilities through multi-layer resilient architectures integrating GEO, LEO, and terrestrial networks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Thaicom sees opportunity across three layers \u2014 the&nbsp;infrastructure layer of satellites and ground systems, the geospatial data layer, and sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt the sovereignty layer, the issue is not only ownership of satellites,\u201d Suwansiri says. \u201cIt is the ability to control critical services, protect national data, ensure continuity during crises, and develop domestic capability over time. For Thaicom, this is a natural extension of our role. We have operated national satellite infrastructure for more than three decades. The next phase is to support Thailand and regional governments with secure, sovereign, and resilient space-enabled services.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88aab8;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88aab8 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88aab9').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88aab9'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>AsiaSat, which is based in Hong Kong, has a different view here. Tong emphasizes the operator has always been a commercial company and stays out of geopolitics.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAsiaSat has always been a commercial company and is not involved in any geopolitics, even though some customers or countries like to believe otherwise,\u201d Tong says. \u201cTherefore, we do not take advantage of any sovereign space\/national security opportunities. Equitable access to space has long been an objective of the ITU [International Telecommunications Union] and we stand by that.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Evolving CapEx Strategies<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>What does the next-generation satellite fleet look like for Asia-Pacific regional operators, and how are operators rethinking their CapEx plans?<\/p>\n<p>AsiaSat has been in a relatively CapEx-free period with its GEO fleet, giving the company time to consider its next options. \u201cWe are in no rush for replacement but rather we are looking for opportunities that require new infrastructure or capabilities for vertical integration that are sustainable,\u201d Tong says.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_405201\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-405201\" style=\"width: 364px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-405201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"364\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-800x448.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-1536x860.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-2048x1146.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/L8nsSCiIQlII91IZnbBg_Roger_Tong_AsiaSat-640x358.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 364px) 100vw, 364px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-405201\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Roger Tong, CEO of AsiaSat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>Tong believes that the company is too small to invest in LEO infrastructure. \u201cOur approach is to work with LEO operators to support our end customers in services they need and be infrastructure-agnostic,\u201d Tong adds.<\/p>\n<p>Some regional operators have tapped startup GEO manufacturers for new satellites, with Thaicom ordering Thaicom-9 from Astranis, KT SAT ordering a satellite from AscendArc, and Sky Perfect JSAT\u2019s joint venture Space Compass ordering a satellite from Swissto12.<\/p>\n<p>For Thaicom, Suwansiri says the investment logic for GEO has changed. Instead of purely replacing capacity, Thaicom is looking for flexibility, higher throughput, and better unit economics.<\/p>\n<p>He said in the medium-term, Thaicom is investing in flexible, software-defined GEO capacity to respond to changing demand across Asia-Pacific. Over the longer term, the company looks to combine GEO with LEO partnerships, ground infrastructure, and downstream services.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88ae96;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88ae96 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88ae97').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88ae97'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur future investment will remain selective and disciplined. We will invest where we have clear orbital rights, visible demand, anchor customer commitments, strategic relevance, and a credible path to long-term returns,\u201d Suwansiri says.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s clear the landscape for GEO replacement has shifted and operators are thinking carefully about how they replace aging GEO satellites. Measat has a near-term CapEx focus to replace MEASAT-3b, which is expected to reach end of life around 2029 to 2030. Lim says the operator is in the RFP stage and expects to conclude the evaluation process \u201cin the near term.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis will not be a like-for-like GEO replacement,\u201d Lim says. \u201cThe new satellite will continue to anchor our core services at the 91.5 degrees East orbital slot while incorporating more advanced, flexible payload capabilities, including in-orbit frequency reconfiguration. This gives us greater agility to respond to changing customer demand, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics over its lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lim notes that this satellite will also support Malaysia\u2019s sovereign space ambitions by securing the orbital slot and ensuring continued independent control over national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_440838\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-440838\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-440838 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Teruo-Yamashita_Board-Director-President-of-Space-Business-Unit-SKY-Perfect-JSAT-300x284.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Teruo-Yamashita_Board-Director-President-of-Space-Business-Unit-SKY-Perfect-JSAT-300x284.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Teruo-Yamashita_Board-Director-President-of-Space-Business-Unit-SKY-Perfect-JSAT-800x756.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Teruo-Yamashita_Board-Director-President-of-Space-Business-Unit-SKY-Perfect-JSAT-640x605.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Teruo-Yamashita_Board-Director-President-of-Space-Business-Unit-SKY-Perfect-JSAT.jpg 1166w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-440838\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Teruo Yamashita, Sky Perfect JSAT, Space Business Unit president<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>For Sky Perfect JSAT, its recent CapEx plans have gone beyond communications satellites, procuring 10 high-resolution Pelican satellites from Planet last year. The operator has two upcoming software-defined satellites \u2014&nbsp;Superbird-9, built by Airbus and scheduled for launch in 2027 and JSAT-31, built by Thales Alenia Space and scheduled for launch in 2029.<\/p>\n<p>JSAT also plans to invest 150 billion yen ($940 million) in its space business from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2027, Yamashita says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese investments are not only aimed at enhancing commercial competitiveness, but also at supporting resilient infrastructure relevant to national security, disaster response, and critical infrastructure applications,\u201d Yamashita says. \u201cOur investment strategy is designed to position SKY Perfect JSAT to evolve into a multi-orbit solution provider rather than a traditional satellite capacity operator.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Looking to the Future <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Moving forward, Yamashita describes an \u2018Operator 2.0\u2019 that\u2019s built on three elements: a multi-orbit architecture combining GEO, LEO, and terrestrial infrastructure; stronger partnerships across the ecosystem with satellite operators, launchers, technology and cloud providers, and telecom operators; and a transformation into data and solution providers fueled by Earth Observation and AI analytics.<\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88b29f;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a6b16e88b29f = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88b2a0').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a6b16e88b2a0'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe traditional model of simply providing satellite capacity is no longer sufficient. Operators must evolve into integrated solution providers capable of combining connectivity, data, applications, and operational support,\u201d Yamashita says. \u201cThe biggest challenge for operators will be how quickly they can transform their business models, organizational capabilities, and corporate culture to adapt to this rapidly evolving environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Yet Sky Perfect JSAT emphasizes that regional operators have important competitive advantages with their understanding of local market and regulatory environments, customer relationships and government needs. \u201c[These] remain highly valuable, especially as space infrastructure becomes more closely tied to national resilience and sovereign capability,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<p>Measat COO Lim agrees that the future is in integrated, multi-orbit architectures, and operators must also expand into areas like EO and broader space technologies.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe roadmap to profit is built on capital discipline and focused execution: anchoring revenues in long-term government and enterprise demand, defending and repricing GEO HTS in high-value segments, and tightly aligning CapEx with clear revenue milestones,\u201d Lim says. \u201cBy maximizing asset utilisation, sharing costs through partnerships, and operating with greater agility, regional operators can deliver durable, higher-margin services and remain relevant and profitable in a multi-orbit future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>AsiaSat CEO Tong casts the change as regional operators entering into a new era. GEO operators have become too comfortable operating as \u201clandlords\u201d in orbit, he says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHoliday season is over for regional operators and the days of occupy and lease will not return,\u201d he adds. \u201cThe road to profitability takes hard work and perseverance \u2014 execute with determination and speed, while staying open-minded. Do not view others as competitors but as partners that can provide better services to our customers.\u201d <strong>VS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 440740:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3-300x207.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3-800x551.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3-1536x1058.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3-640x441.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_3.jpg 1717w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tAre Orbital Data Centers the Next Frontier of AI Infrastructure?<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 440757:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"207\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2-300x207.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2-800x551.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2-1536x1058.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2-640x441.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/VS_060726_DGTL_2.jpg 1717w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tSighting the Dark Fleet: Hyperspectral\u2019s Role in Securing Safer Seas<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 440744:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-300x225.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-2048x1535.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-267x200.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/C_geoint-1-890x667.jpg 890w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Regional operators are reinventing themselves. With the rise of megaconstellations and consolidation among global satellite operators \u2014 regional operators are rethinking their approach and turning toward orchestration and integration, while pressing their local advantages. Regional operators describe a shift in the competitive market from owning orbits and infrastructure to delivering solutions. Change is manifesting across [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46921,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46920"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46920"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46920\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}