Zixi and Comcast partner on IP replacement for C-band satellites

Broadcasters face increasing pressure to vacate C-band spectrum as global regulators reclaim capacity for 5G, yet many remain tethered to satellite for its reliable rights and affiliate controls. This partnership provides a technically validated path to IP that replicates satellite's signaling precision—specifically SCTE 35/224—without requiring a total infrastructure overhaul. For the broader ecosystem, it signals a shift from hardware-dependent primary distribution to software-defined managed services that can scale instantly across terrestrial networks. Watch for adoption rates among major U.S. affiliate groups as the 2027 FCC auction deadline approaches, potentially triggering a mass migration away from traditional transponder leases.

The transition from C-band satellite to IP-based primary distribution is accelerating due to intensifying regulatory and commercial pressures. Per a July 2026 report from the FCC, the agency is preparing for a mandated auction of up to 160 MHz of upper C-band spectrum (3.98-4.2 GHz) by July 2027. This follows the successful 2023 completion of Phase II lower C-band clearing, which paid out nearly $10 billion in incentive payments to satellite operators like SES and Intelsat to vacate spectrum for 5G mobile use. While satellite operators are launching new hybrid Ku-band satellites to maintain service continuity, the long-term industry consensus favors IP for its superior flexibility and lower operational costs.

Market data from April 2026 suggests the global IP broadcast infrastructure market reached a value of $14.8 billion in 2025, with North American broadcasters accounting for 37.4% of that revenue. Industry surveys conducted by DataIntelo in late 2025 indicate that 68% of major broadcast facilities have already initiated IP migration projects to support remote production and multi-platform delivery. This technological shift is underpinned by the refinement of standards like SCTE 224, which allows broadcasters to manage complex regional rights and blackout rules—a function historically performed by integrated receiver-decoders in satellite headends.

Competition in the IP distribution space is heating up as legacy satellite vendors and cloud-native providers vie for the primary distribution layer. In April 2026, companies like LTN and Imagine Communications showcased rival hybrid IP/SDI workflows designed to bridge the gap between traditional broadcast hardware and cloud-based playout. As SES noted in June 2026 filings, clearing the remaining upper C-band could cost incumbents up to $3.6 billion, including the deployment of seven new satellites. This massive capital requirement is prompting many programmers to evaluate managed IP services like the Zixi-Comcast offering as a more cost-effective alternative to long-term satellite lease renewals.