of performance and reliability comparable to C-band.
Hybrid infrastructure in North America
SES’ s solution begins with new satellites that are more powerful in the rainy areas of the country compared to typical models. In addition, these satellites utilise C-band uplinks that are cross-strapped( physically connected) to Ku-band downlink transponders. By designing satellites that rely on high availability C-band uplinks, all the existing ground infrastructure, workflows and investments currently in place at the transmit / broadcast site remain fully usable, avoiding potential service disruptions and reducing the need for costly investments. C / Ku cross-strapped satellites have extensive heritage with several SES satellites with such capability already inorbit over the Americas today.
In addition to new satellites, SES’ s proposed Ku + solution will integrate a standards-based packet-recovery terrestrial network, and broadcasters will have multiple delivery paths to ensure uninterrupted service.
In practical terms, satellite will continue to be the primary media distribution platform. But if weather-related attenuation temporarily affects the satellite signal, the terrestrial recovery network can automatically provide missing packets, and the receivers at the earth stations will patch the missing packets into the feed and deliver seamless video. This system is much more efficient and cost-effective than delivering full-time terrestrial feeds to all media takers, while maintaining highly reliable and efficient content delivery to the end user.
In many ways, hybrid architecture reflects the reality of modern media distribution: no single technology can meet every requirement on its own. Instead, the most effective networks combine the strengths of multiple technologies to create flexible, scalable systems capable of supporting evolving audience demands.
While this approach is particularly relevant to the spectrum transition underway in the United States, it is also part of a broader global shift in how broadcasters design their distribution strategies.
Hybrid distribution on a global scale
Satellite continues to provide unmatched reliability and efficiency for distributing linear channels and live events across large regions. At the same time, IP-based infrastructure enables broadcasters to support streaming platforms, cloud-based production workflows,
and targeted content delivery.
Whether launching regional OTT services, expanding FAST channel offerings, or delivering content to new international markets, hybrid infrastructure allows media companies to extend their reach without completely redesigning their networks.
As audience behavior continues to evolve, this flexibility will become increasingly important. Hybrid distribution is not replacing satellite- it is amplifying its value by integrating it into a broader, more versatile media ecosystem.
And nowhere is the need for this reliability and scalability more evident than in the world of live sports.
Powering global sports and live events
Major sporting events consistently attract some of the largest audiences in global media. Delivering these events requires infrastructure capable of transporting multiple high-quality video feeds from venues around the world to production centers and distribution platforms in real time.
Today, sports production workflows are
becoming more complex as rights holders look to distribute content simultaneously across broadcast channels, streaming platforms, and digital services in order to reach the largest possible audience.
To support these evolving requirements, SES developed SES SCORE, a global content orchestration platform designed to simplify the acquisition and distribution of live sports content.
SES SCORE allows sports organisations and broadcasters to manage multiple video feeds from a single interface while delivering those feeds through satellite, fibre, or IP networks depending on the requirements of each event.
This unified platform makes it easier for rights holders to monetise their content rights by distributing to broadcast partners worldwide while maintaining full control over scheduling, pricing, and availability.
Expanding hybrid innovation in Latin America
While live sports continue to push the boundaries of global content delivery, another important area of innovation is emerging in Latin America, where hybrid distribution is reshaping the free-to-air(“ FTA”) television experience.
FTA remains a critical platform for mass reach across markets such as Mexico and Brazil, where satellite-based DTH services continue to serve millions of households. At the same time, audience expectations are shifting- driven by streaming, FAST channels, and personalised viewing experiences that prioritise ease of access and content discovery.
To address this, SES is rolling out a nextgeneration platform in the region based on the DVB-NIP standard, designed to bridge traditional broadcast and IP-based delivery. The platform integrates satellite and OTT services into a single user experience, making the underlying delivery method largely invisible to the viewer. This convergence enables a more seamless transition between linear and on-demand content, aligning with broader industry trends where FAST and curated channel experiences are increasingly combined with personalised, data-driven services.
For broadcasters, this approach offers a practical path to modernisation- retaining the scale and efficiency of satellite while unlocking new opportunities for content discovery, targeted services, and monetisation.
Latin America is a natural environment for this evolution. Strong FTA viewership, combined with growing demand for digital services, makes the region a key testing ground for hybrid models that can adapt to diverse infrastructure realities.
As these platforms scale, they are likely to play a defining role in how hybrid television experiences are delivered globally.
A trusted partner for the evolving media ecosystem
The television industry is entering a period of transformation. With one of the largest multiorbit satellite fleets in the world, extensive ground infrastructure, and hybrid capabilities, SES is well-positioned to support the next generation of media distribution.
The combined organisation focuses on core priorities: long-term customer partnerships, open innovation, readiness for future viewing trends, and enabling broadcasters to grow audiences and monetise content more effectively.
With hybrid networks delivering content to any screen, SES is helping broadcasters provide high-quality viewing experiences that audiences expect- today and in the years to come.
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