Study highlights decline of satellite as broadcasters adopt IP delivery

Broadcasters are rebuilding live operations around IP delivery and cloud-based workflows as reliance on satellite and dedicated fiber declines, according to a new report from Caretta Research produced with vendor Zixi.

The report noted the shift is changing how live sports and channel distribution are produced and delivered, enabling broadcasters to scale coverage and manage more simultaneous events beyond the limits of traditional outside broadcast infrastructure.

“IP delivery is fundamentally changing the economics and flexibility of live video distribution,” said Robert Ambrose, CEO and co-founder of Caretta Research and the report’s author. “Broadcasters are moving away from fixed satellite and fibre infrastructure toward software-defined workflows that allow them to scale production, reach new distribution partners and respond much more quickly to changing audience demand.”

Modernizing video workflows with end-to-end IP solutions

Broadcasters and rights holders are using IP contribution feeds and cloud-based master control rooms to expand coverage, add camera angles, and improve efficiency in producing highlights and streaming feeds.

“Broadcasters are moving beyond simply replacing satellite circuits with IP transport,” said Marc Aldrich, CEO of Zixi. “They are rebuilding live operations around flexible, cloud-based workflows that allow them to scale events, reach new distribution partners and maintain broadcast-grade reliability across global networks.”

The report examined how media companies are replacing satellite and fiber infrastructure with IP-based alternatives for contribution and distribution and is available here.

Historically, broadcasters relied on satellite transponders and private fiber circuits, which required long-term capacity commitments and high operational costs. The report found that IP delivery over internet and cloud infrastructure provides more flexibility and allows operators to scale workflows across multiple live events.

Regional factors are influencing adoption. In the United States, the reallocation of C-band satellite spectrum is accelerating the shift, while in other markets cost pressures, streaming growth and demand for flexible production are driving adoption.

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C-band deadline pushes broadcasters toward IP-based distribution systems

The report also highlighted the role of enterprise platforms for monitoring, orchestration and automation across IP workflows, including the Zixi Platform, which supports multi-protocol delivery across global networks.

Caretta Research concluded that IP delivery is enabling more scalable cloud production, expanding global distribution opportunities and increasing operational flexibility for broadcasters and media companies.