The World Teleport Association (WTA) has announced its rankings of the Top Teleport Operators of 2008. These rankings provide a unique look into the diverse teleport sector of the global communications industry. Rankings are reported in three categories: the Global Top Twenty, the Independent Top Twenty, and the Fast Twenty.

Rankings are based on information submitted directly by the companies as well as published results of publicly-held corporations. The rankings cover companies that own and operate teleports — which are providers of customized communications solutions typically combining satellite, fiber and wireless transmission — whether this is their primary business or a platform for providing a broader array of services to customers.

The Global Top Twenty
The Global Top Twenty ranks companies based on revenues from all customized communications sources and includes operators of teleports, satellite fleets and fiber networks. For the second year running, Level 3, owner of Vyvx, is at the top of the Global Top Twenty, based on satellite and fiber revenue figures that exclude the switched voice business of the former Broadwing. New to the list this year are EchoStar Satellite Services (the satellite services unit of DTH operator EchoStar), Telecommunications Systems, RRsat Global Communications, Satlynx, and Measat. In order from largest to smallest, the Global Top Twenty of 2008 are:
Level 3 (USA)
Intelsat (Bermuda)
SES Global (Luxembourg)
Eutelsat (France)
Stratos Global (USA)
GlobeCast (France)
EchoStar Satellite Services (USA)
Telesat (Canada)
Arqiva Satellite Media Solutions (UK)
CapRock Communications (USA)
Globecomm Systems (USA)
Thaicom (Thailand)
Schlumberger (UK)
Hispasat (Spain)
Telecommunications Systems (USA)
AsiaSat (Hong Kong)
Spacenet (USA)
RRsat Global Communications (Israel)
Satlynx (Luxembourg)
Measat (Malaysia)

The Independent Top Twenty
The Independent Top Twenty ranks companies based on revenue from all sources, but excludes companies whose core business is ownership and operation of a satellite fleet or terrestrial network. These twenty companies have a proven track record and commitment to innovation and providing value-added services. In order from largest to smallest, the Independent Top Twenty of 2008 are:
Stratos Global (USA)
GlobeCast (France)
Arqiva Satellite Media Solutions (UK)
CapRock Communications (USA)
Globecomm Systems (USA)
Schlumberger (UK)
Telecommunications Systems (USA)
Spacenet (USA)
RRsat Global Communications (Israel)
Broadpoint (USA)
Emerging Markets Communications (USA)
Telepuerto Internacional Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Satlink Communications (Israel)
ATCi (USA)
Telekom Austria (sat-related only) (Austria)
Essel Shyam Communications (India)
Skyport International (USA)
Jordan Media City (Jordan)
Newcom International (USA)
CET Teleport (Germany)

The Fast Twenty
The Fast Twenty ranks all teleport-operating companies based on year-over-year revenue growth in their most recent fiscal years. CapRock Communications led the fast pack with an impressive 95.83 percent growth rate. Hot on their heels was Arqiva with 87.66 percent. An honorable mention goes to Europe Media Port, a 2008 start-up with a tremendous first-year showing but no prior year of results on which its growth rate could be calculated. From the fastest of the fast, the Fast Twenty of 2008 are:
CapRock Communications (USA)
Arqiva Satellite Media Solutions (UK)
Skyport International (USA)
Satlink Communications (Israel)
Emerging Markets Communications (USA)
Measat (Malaysia)
Stratos Global (USA)
ATCi (USA)
Central European Telecom Services (Germany)
CET Teleport (Germany)
Globecomm Systems (USA)
RRsat Global communications (Israel)
EchoStar Satellite Services (USA)
Level 3 (USA)
Telepuerto Internacional Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Telecommunications Systems (USA)
Schlumberger (UK)
du (Emirates Integrated Telecom Co.) (UAE)
Essel Shyam Communications (India)
Telekom Austria (sat-related only) (Austria)
The Top Operator rankings are compiled by surveying teleport operators around the world on their facilities, services and business results. These rankings provide a unique insight into the often unappreciated realities of the teleport sector. "Our most recent study of the sector, titled New Markets, New Services, New Competition, illustrates the great diversity of the teleport sector in terms of customers and industries served," said Robert Bell, WTA Executive Director. "The commercial teleport business got its start uplinking video for TV channels. That still contributes 35% of the sector's revenues, but terrestrial carriers, enterprises and government combined now contribute over 47%. The entrepreneurial spirit that got this industry on its feet will, no doubt, serve it well as the industry negotiates the current financial uncertainties and the certain changes still to come."