For decades, Intelsat stood as a cornerstone of global connectivity and a critical lifeline for the Pacific. Long before the current “new space” narrative took shape, Intelsat was already enabling international communications, broadcasting, emergency response, and economic participation for small island nations that would otherwise have remained isolated.

Its satellites carried voices, data, television, and essential services across vast ocean distances, often where no alternative infrastructure existed. In many parts of the Pacific, Intelsat was not just a service provider but an enabler of national development, disaster response, and regional inclusion.

As 2025 marks the final chapter of Intelsat as a standalone entity, the dawn of 2026 arrives without the familiar presence of Intelsat corporate speakers, sponsorships and participation at PITA meetings. This absence will be felt—not as a gap in branding, but as the closing of a long and influential era in Pacific telecommunications.

Yet, this is not an end without continuity. Intelsat’s legacy, expertise, and infrastructure live on within SES, now a major player in the evolving new-space ecosystem. Through SES, the experience and operational DNA that once defined Intelsat continues to support global and regional connectivity, bridging traditional satellite services with next-generation, multi-orbit and multi-band capabilities.

The satellite landscape has changed dramatically, shaped by fibre, cloud, and new-space constellations. Even so, it is important to acknowledge the foundations laid by pioneers like Intelsat—foundations upon which today’s connectivity strategies are built.

Intelsat may no longer stand alone, but its impact remains embedded in the networks, policies, and partnerships that continue to serve the Pacific.

Thank you, Intelsat, and to all the dedicated representatives who stood firm in delivering solutions for the Pacific, and for being a long standing member of PITA since its inception in 1997

Our congratulations to SES, which has acquired Intelsat, who itself a long-standing member of PITA and continues the support for the Pacific as satellite communications move firmly into the new-space era.

SES Completes Acquisition of Intelsat, Creating Global Multi-Orbit Connectivity Powerhouse | SES