Infrastructure for video delivery is under more pressure than ever as viewers around the world demand instant, high-quality access to content across platforms and geographies. The solution? Not one, but the combination of many. In Episode 14 of the Satellite World Briefing, “Reinventing Media Distribution and the Rise of Hybrid Networks,” host Lucas Hunsicker spoke with Pascale Fromont, Vice President and General Manager of Media at Intelsat (now part of SES) to discuss why hybrid networks, which combine IP, fiber, and satellite, are becoming the most scalable, reliable, and cost effective way to meet this growing pressure. As Fromont put it, “Combining them (satellite and IP) is really where we get the biggest bang for our buck and we get this optimal solution.”
New Era for Video Content Delivery
Fromont kicked things off by pointing out that while streaming is often top of mind for consumers, traditional-wide beam broadcast satellites are still the most effective and reliable way to reach multiple distribution points at once. But that’s only one part of the picture. Video delivery is taking on new dimensions because of innovations like transport protocols over public internet and advanced video compression. “Upgrading from MPEG-4 typically yields a 50 percent efficiency gain,” she explained, though she added that this comes “with investments and CAEPX.”
In the meantime, public internet-based delivery and ARQ protocols are becoming more popular as practical distribution tools. These approaches “have established themselves as a complement to satellite,” especially in situations where service levels are less demanding, or content is destined for fewer endpoints.
Why Hybrid Networks are Gaining Traction
Fundamentally, a hybrid network combines the strengths of satellite and terrestrial IP to deliver greater reach, redundancy, and flexibility. Each method fills in the gaps left by the other.
“Satellite offers very high network availability,” Fromont said. “The customer’s capacity is dedicated. It’s guaranteed… and the solution is immediately available everywhere within the satellite beam footprint.”
However, the lower cost and two-way connectivity of terrestrial IP make it appealing. According to Fromont “They tend to be cheaper, especially for a smaller number of received points.” But service reliability is the trade-off. IP runs over the public internet, which “still depends on a shared and unmanaged resource,” so there is a risk of congestion or unexpected outages.
The hybrid model, which combines dependability with agility and reach, shines in this situation.
Enhancing Resilience and Extending Reach
Hybrid solutions aren’t just about saving money; they’re about scaling smarter. Fromont explained that satellite and IP can complement one another in multiple ways, including operationally by providing built-in backup in case of service disruption and geographically by filling in coverage gaps left by the other.
“A satellite service can fall back on the terrestrial solution when needed, and vice versa. If a terrestrial network gets too congested… the service can automatically fail over (to) a satellite a backup link.”
How Broadcasters Are Using Hybrid Networks
These aren’t just futuristic concepts; they are already being used right now. Fromont shared an example with a customer from Europe where they utilize SES’s 1° West satellite as their main distribution platform but rely on terrestrial IP to reach a few affiliates outside the satellite’s footprint “They’re using our terrestrial IP solution called IntelsatOne IP to reach those affiliate sites,” she said.
National broadcasters are also adopting hybrid models to reach audiences around the world. “We typically use a combination of multiple satellites and terrestrial solutions… fully integrated and orchestrated… to ensure that really seamless signal distribution around the world,” she explained.
The Future of Hybrid Media
Hybrid networks are the infrastructure of the future, not just a temporary fix. As distribution challenges become more complex, media companies need delivery systems that are intelligent, resilient, and prepared for anything.
By combining the flexibility and cost-efficiency of terrestrial IP and fiber with broad availability and guaranteed performance of satellite, hybrid networks offer a smarter path forward. As Fromont and SES demonstrated, it’s already transforming the way video content reaches global audiences.
The message is clear for tech leaders, broadcasters, and programmers: choosing between satellite and terrestrial delivery is no longer the deciding factor when it comes to delivering premium content at scale. It involves both.
Listen to the full episode now to learn how hybrid innovation is redefining media distribution.
