For decades, satellite uplink has been the backbone of linear broadcast distribution. Today, many networks are actively evaluating a transition to IP-based delivery as market conditions continue to evolve.
There are several reasons why organizations are reassessing satellite as their primary distribution path.
- Continued uncertainty around C-Band auctions and future spacecraft bandwidth availability.
- Consolidation among satellite providers in North America, reducing marketplace competition.
- Rising bandwidth costs due to reduced satellite capacity following previous sell-offs.
Understanding your options and preparing in advance is the most effective way to stay ahead of market forces beyond your control. For many networks, delivering redundant SRT feeds over public IP now represents a secure, resilient, and cost-effective alternative to satellite uplinks.
- With public IP, you pay only for the bandwidth you use, rather than committing to fixed satellite capacity.
- SRT encryption provides strong signal security across public networks.
- Redundant transmission paths provide signal durability, ensuring you remain on-air even if one route experiences disruption.
If you are evaluating a transition to IP distribution, the following checklist will help determine your readiness and reduce risk during migration.
1. Check your affiliate contracts.
- Some of them may stipulate that they receive your channel via downlink or that if you change distribution methods, they can opt out of your agreement.
- Do your affiliate contracts say how much notice is required if you change your distribution method? Required notice periods can range from 90 days to one year, depending on contract language.
2. Check your uplink contract. How much longer are you contracted with your Satellite provider?
- Ensure your satellite contract timeline aligns with your affiliate notification requirements, allowing you to avoid unnecessary extensions. We recommend no fewer than 180 days for a successful transition.
3. Compile a list of your current affiliates and contact information for each of them.
- See if you can include what kind of receiver or IRD they are currently using to acquire your network.
- This information will be essential when working with a prospective IP distribution partner to architect the correct delivery solution.
4. Find a trusted partner to distribute your SRT feeds.
Selecting the right IP distribution partner is one of the most critical decisions in this process.
- Will they be able to create the SRT feeds of your network with the same technical specs you are delivering over Satellite?
- Will they manage every aspect of the transition and resolve any technical issues with each of your affiliates?
- Are they able to provide you a detailed quote and a timeline for the transition?
- Will you need to provide equipment or licenses to any of your affiliates to acquire your SRT feeds over IP?
5. Notify your affiliates that you are exploring transitioning to IP delivery and ask for feedback.
- Share any feedback you get with your trusted partner so they can address any potential issues.
6. Notify your affiliates that you will be transitioning to IP delivery and inform them of the date that your transition will be completed by.
- Provide a tech sheet with detailed information about your new SRT feeds.
- Get a primary contact, their email and phone number for each affiliate site.
- Have the affiliate confirm what receiver or IRD they are currently using for your network.
- Ask if your affiliate has infrastructure in place to receive SRT feeds or if they need equipment or a license.
- Confirm that they have redundant IP providers in place at their facility.
With proper planning and the right technical partner, transitioning from satellite to IP distribution can be structured, predictable, and low risk.
The key is understanding your contractual obligations, technical requirements, affiliate readiness, and long-term cost model before making the shift.
If your organization is evaluating this move, BMG’s Master Control & Transmissions Consulting team can help assess your current distribution architecture, review affiliate requirements, and design a practical transition roadmap.
Learn more about our Master Control & Transmissions Consulting Services here.
Todd Mason is the Chief Executive Officer of Broadcast Management Group (BMG), a broadcast infrastructure and media operations company helping define the next generation of television production, live media operations, and broadcast network infrastructure in North America.
About Todd Mason
Leave a Reply